Movember is off to a great start, and it needed to be. As the calendar turned, the Bruins were sitting in dead last, and panic was flowing over Bruins nation. But with the turning of the page came a change from within the Bruins. Staring at 11 games within 22 days, the Bruins knew that if they were going to turn this around and make a run, it had to be this month. They have since outscored their opponents a combined 24 to 8. With the exception of the Islanders, the teams have been pretty good competition as well. The surprising Senators, the then first place Maple Leafs, and tonight, the NHL's hottest team came to town, the Edmonton Oilers. While it was fun to watch Nugent-Hopkins and Hall skate around the ice, and watch the future hall of famer Ryan Smyth net two, it was better to watch the Bruins moving like a well oiled machine. The Oilers will certainly be a team to be reckoned with in the future, but outside of the last 10 minutes of period one, they were completely outmatched. The Bruins won most of the one on one battles, were very responsible and executed in all three zones. Since the Krejci-Horton-Lucic line has been reunited, we have witnessed an awakening. In the last four games that line has powered up 19 pts. Lucic- 5 goals 2 assists. Horton 2 goals 3 assists. Krejci 2 goals 5 assists. Lucic is moving his feet and getting in front of the net. Krejci has been his usual self, displaying a great mix of speed and control, and though Horton has said he doesn't feel like himself yet, (not due to the concussion, just a timing thing) he has been playing better with each game as well.
In case there was any doubt before, start collecting your Tyler Seguin memorabilia. This kid is something special and the difference in his game from last year to this year is quite remarkable. You can see the hard work he has put in by bulking up 20 lbs or so and can tell he spent a lot of time under the tutelage of guys like Recchi and Bergeron. He also has 7 points over the last 4 games including a hat trick against Toronto, prompting the always awesome "Thank You Kessel" chants. His speed is killer, his passing is always tape to tape, he shoots darts, and he is quite crafty. I look forward so much to being able to watch him for many years to come.
Not enough can be said about the role players on this team as well. It was because of these guys that we had success last year and they will be looked to again. Shawn Thornton does not show up in the box score very often, but anyone who follows this team and watches these games knows he is the heartbeat. His line starts almost every game, they go out at very vulnerable times and when the ice needs to be policed, and when the black and gold need to be woken up, Thorty grabs a partner and lights a fire. He is a master at dropping the mits at the right time, including 4 games in a row. Guys like Greg Campbell, Rich Peverley and Daniel Paille block shots, get to dirty areas and sacrifice the body. Peverley is still currently sidelined and Paille had successful nose surgery yesterday to repair what was done by a puck in the face. Two more prime examples of what it means to be a Boston Bruin. Blue collar lunch pail team that out grinds and out hustles the opponent. That is exactly what we have seen over the last few games, and it is the only style that will continue to lend them success.
Saturday night the Northeast division rival Buffalo Sabres come to town. American standout Ryan Miller will most likely be between the pipes, and that is not always a bad thing for the Bruins. They have historically done alright against him. Buffalo always bring a gritty energy to the game and have some definite skill to match. Witht he same number of games played, the Sabres sit 4 points ahead of the B's and this will prove to be another pivitol game for the boys. Lets Go Black and Gold!!
No comments:
Post a Comment