Ugly 7's

In what was unarguably the ugliest, rustiest, lack of passion game of the year, the Bruins were taken all the way to round 3 of the shootout before putting the lowly Blue Jackets away. A 2nd period power play goal by Derek MacKenzie put Columbus up 1-0. A minute a half later the black and gold answered with a shot by Adam MacQuaid, who is credited with the goal as of right now. It appeared to redirect off of Rich Peverley, but regardless, it was all knotted up at 1. A post ringing, chance trading 3rd ensued but proved to do nothing on the score board. Columbus took a penalty about a minute into OT, and the Bruins power play looked great. The puck was moving well around the ice and the boys were being patient and waiting for lanes but firing on net when open. Still, the Bruins could not dent the twine and quickly took a penalty of their own. Andrew Ference was called for boarding, although the referee was not looking and just saw a player on the ice, and Columbus kept steady pressure for the final minute. End of regulation 1-1. Tyler Seguin was blanked but Peverley and Krejci scored setting the table for Tuukka Time. The games undeniable first star, and really only bright spot, came up huge all game and once again in the shootout. Antoine Vermette came up ice and actually made a really nice move but Tuukka stacked his pads and shut the door. The Bruins surrendered the first road point of the year to the Blue Jackets, but picked up 2 for themselves and upped the winning streak to 7 games. It appears that this was the trap game we were afraid of. The good news is it is over, and the black and gold found a way to grind one out. If Nashville can hold on against Toronto and Edmonton can overcome an early two goal lead by Ottawa, the Bruins will wake up tomorrow in 8th place, the final playoff spot.

Next on tap is Saturday night when the Bruins start a 3 game road trip on Long Island. As you saw last week, the Islanders are a desperate, young, fast, and talented team. They are very capable of giving the Bruins fits with their high octane energy. They are currently sitting in last place and that certainly sets up another trap. The Bruins will need to much better than they were tonight if they wish the leave the island with 8 in a row. I think Rask will be in net and hopefully our offense will produce and give this guy some support. He stood on his head tonight and I am sure he would love another 6 goal effort from the B's. Lets Go Black and Gold!