Tag Archives: Brad Marchand

Game 7 Recap | The Bruins Fall to the Blues

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It starts in October. 31 teams, 31 fanbases. We hope, we dream, and we pray to the Hockey Gods (I imagine they’re big-bellied, beer-guzzling, bearded bad-asses who show one another affection by fighting). We all want one thing: the Stanley Cup. This year it came down to the Boston Bruins and the St. Louis Blues. It took all 7 games, but the Bruins ultimately fell to the Blues, who won their first Stanley Cup in their 51-year history.

Starting Strong

The Bruins were on home ice at TD Garden in Boston. The crowd was chanting “Let’s Go Bruins”, they were loud, and they were proud. The Black and Gold came out swinging. They fired at Blues goalie Jordan Binnington from every angle, and limited the Blues to one shot on goal in over 10 minutes to start the game. The Bruins outshot the Blues 12-4 in the first period, but that ultimately didn’t matter. With 3:13 left in the first period Ryan O’Reilly scored on a deflection to put the Blues up 1-0. Later, Brad Marchand went to the bench for an ill-timed line change, leaving Alex Pietrangelo a wide-open lane and shot at Rask. Pietrangelo scored with 7.9 seconds left in the first.

(Photo by Michael Dwyer)

In the second period the Blues fed off their momentum. Neither team scored in the second, but St. Louis was taking over. They established a defensive stand at center ice, limiting offensive opportunities for the Bruins by forcing turnovers and pouring the puck back into the Bruins zone. Rask stood tall, denying all shots, but the Blues wouldn’t be deterred. They hit more and stayed on the puck, bringing the momentum with them into the third period.

Collapse

Entering the third period down 2-0 the Bruins were still alive. They pushed, making great entries into the St. Louis zone. But Binnington was a brick wall, allowing nothing. He made easy saves on weak shots, he made brilliant saves on nearly unstoppable shots. No matter what the Bruins gave him, Binnington was equal to the task. With 8:35 left in the game Brayden Schenn scored, putting the game all but out of reach at 3-0. Four minutes later the final nail was put in the coffin when Zach Sanford scored. Up 4-0 with 4:38 left in the season, the Bruins got desperate. They pulled Rask, putting six men on the ice for Boston, but they couldn’t get anything past Binnington until Matt Grzelcyk scored with 2:10 left. It made little difference in the outcome of the game, but it did prevent a St. Louis Game 7 shutout in Boston.

(Photo by Patrick Smith)

After the game Brad Marchand told Boston Sports Journal’s Conor Ryan, “It’s a heartbreaker. It’s tough to describe. You know, they just took our dream, our lifetime dream from us, and everything we’ve worked for our entire lives, and it’s 60 minutes away from that. You can’t describe it.”

Moving Forward

The loss brings many offseason questions. Zdeno Chara signed a one-year contract extension. Will the 42 year-old actually come back and try to get to the Finals again next year? Or will he retire after coming to the brink and losing? The Bruins core is getting older, and some of the young guys will need new contracts. There’s a lot of work to be done to try to get back to the Cup. In October we’ll start over. We’ll hope, we’ll dream, and we’ll pray to those often insufferable Hockey Gods.

Recap: The Boston Bruins Force Game 7

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The Boston Bruins had their backs against the wall going into Enterprise Stadium in St. Louis on Sunday night. The Stanley Cup was in the building and the Blues were looking to hoist it in front of their home crowd. Word got out that the Blues already had a restaurant rented to celebrate their victory and a St. Louis newspaper had leaked an image online congratulating the Blues on their Stanley Cup win. Boston had an uphill battle to climb and they were up to the task.

Motivation

In the locker room before the game, Patrice Bergeron gave a rousing speech to fire up the boys in black and gold. Jake DeBrusk spoke about it afterward. “He’s a legend. He said some words that I don’t know if he necessarily wants me to repeat. They weren’t bad words. It was just about what we all dream about doing. Everyone that grows up playing hockey dreams of being in this moment. It was something along those lines and to see him set the tone that way wanted us all to run through a wall.”

(Photo by Jeff Roberson)

Quick Start

If the St. Louis Blues defense was the proverbial wall, the Bruins certainly ran through it. In the first period they had a 5-3 power play and capitalized almost immediately with a goal by Brad Marchand. After holding a 1-0 lead through two periods, the Bruins opened the floodgates in the third. Two and a half minutes into the period Brandon Carlo scored, and halfway through the period Karson Kuhlman scored his first career postseason goal, putting the Bruins up 3-0.

With eight minutes left in the game, Blues Center Ryan O’Reilly scored in a bizarre incident. Tukka Rask stopped the puck with his right leg pad, kicked it back out and play continued. During the next stoppage in play word had come down from Toronto to review the shot attempt. Upon review it was determined that the puck had completely cleared the line, making it a good goal. St. Louis was on the board and had life with the score now 3-1.

Closing Out Strong

That was the only goal they would score. With six minutes remaining, Brad Marchand, in front of the net, sent a backward pass to David Pastrnak. Pastrnak faked a shot, baiting goalie Jordan Binnington, who laid out to make a stop. The puck was shot top shelf and went in easily. Finally, with just under three minutes left, Zdeno Chara scored with an unassisted slap shot, making the final score 5-1. After the game, Brad Marchand said, “We’re fighting for our lives obviously. When you play desperate, I think you see everyone’s best game.”

(Photo by Jeff Roberson)

The Bruins are now 3-0 when facing elimination this post season and Tuukka Rask is a major part of that. His goals allowed average is 1.34, and he has a .953 save percentage in elimination games. Boston will host Game 7 on Wednesday night. The Cup will be at TD Garden and somebody will be hoisting it in victory. Both teams will be desperate. With Rask in net and the home crowd fired up and participating, this Boston Bruins team could very well pull the victory. They’ll need everyone ready to run through a wall to do so.

The Bruins Need A Hero

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After losing 2-1 to the St. Louis Blues in Game 5, Tuukka Rask was asked for a summary of the game. He laughed and said, “Summary? Probably could’ve stopped more pucks with my eyes closed. That’s about it. It’s on me, but we’re on to the next one.”

Officiating

It’s an admirable statement, but it’s also false. We can talk about how the first goal was scored while St. Louis had too many men on the ice. We can talk about how the second goal came seconds after Tyler Bozak took down Noel Acciari with a slew foot that wasn’t called, despite happening directly in front of referee Kelly Sutherland. We can talk about Ivan Barbashev hitting Marcus Johansson with a shoulder to the head and Zach Sanford hitting Torey Krug with an elbow to the head. None of those were called. In fact, the Blues haven’t had many calls against them since Blues Coach Craig Berube complained about the calls they received in Game 3. It’s also no coincidence that Game 3 was the best-called game of the series and the Bruins dominated, 7-2.

(Photo by Greg M. Cooper)

The officiating can’t be held completely responsible though, and neither can Rask. The Bruins have depth that has yet to show up in force. The power play was ferocious in Game 3, but seemed to disappear in the last two games. The zone possession hasn’t been steady by any means, and the first two lines have yet to truly show up. In short, the Boston Bruins need a hero to step up.

Boosts to Morale

Captain Zdeno Chara took a puck to the face, breaking his jaw in Game 4. In Game 5 he was back on the ice on the starting line and even had the first hit of the game. At one point the Blues were shooting on net and Rask ended up flat, too far out. David Krejci jumped in the crease and stopped a puck with his chest. Those are huge steps and great confidence boosters for the team. Now down 3-2 in the series, the Bruins have to win both of the remaining games. With their backs against the wall, they have to prevent the Blues from winning Game 6 in St. Louis and force a Game 7 back in Boston.

(Photo by Winslow Townson

The Bruins have been here before. They were down 3 games to 2 in the first round against Toronto. They’ve shown they have the fortitude, strength, confidence, and downright grittiness to win against tough odds. So who will it be? It has to be the first two lines. Krejci had that amazing save, reminiscent of Michael Ryder in Game 5 against the Montreal Canadiens in the 2011 playoffs, but his line hasn’t been effective in scoring. The Perfection Line of Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand, and David Pastrnak has been well defended, but it’s time to break through that defense. They have to persevere and find a way and it has to happen now. There’s no longer a tomorrow.

Boston Bruins

GAME ONE: STANLEY CUP FINALS| Boston Bruins vs. St Louis Blues

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The buzz is real down Causeway Street and if you didn’t know by now, the Boston Bruins are in the Stanley Cup Finals. Both teams have endured quite a few obstacles this season: Bruins persevering through a stretch of injuries, and the Blues coming from dead last to being Western Conference Champions. The two best teams are in the Finals and whoever wins, deserves to win. This is going to be a tough one, folks.

GAMEDAY NOTES

Coach Bruce Cassidy recently confirmed that Captain Zdeno Chara, David Krejci, and Brad Marchand will be in the lineup tonight. Yesterday many players participated in Media Day, answering questions and posed for pictures before final preparations for tonight’s game.

l

Tonight will mark 49 years since the Boston Bruins swept the Blues in 1970, and tonight Boston knows that they are facing a very tough St. Louis team. For a few players this mark their third time being in this position: Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chara, David Krejci, Brad Marchand, and Tuukka Rask:

“I’m very thankful to be in this opportunity and to compete for a Cup. I think in a way its different, where I’ve matured and I’ve come to realize that it’s not easy to get to this point and make the most of it.”

Bruins Center Patrice Bergeron

With an 11-day lay-off, the Bruins have kept their legs fresh, but ultimately it’s always tough to mimic an actual Playoff game. Fans were able to enjoy a scrimmage this past Thursday, as well as show support and raise money toward the Boston Bruins Foundation.

From Last to First

The St. Louis Blues have completely turned their season around to reach the Finals for the first time since 1970. In the final 45 games of the regular season the Blues have posted a 30-10-5 record, and ended with 99 points. One of the biggest components of the St. Louis success is rookie goaltender, and former Providence player, Jordan Binnington. After taking over in January, the 25-year-old posted a 24-5-1 record with a 1.89 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage.

This will be the Blues third time in their franchise history to reach the Stanley Cup finals. Unfortunately each time they’ve made to this point they were swept; twice by the Montreal Canadiens and once by Boston.

Boston Bruins
(Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports)

Matching Up

The Bruins and St. Louis met twice during the regular season and split the series, with Boston winning 5-2 on January 17th and losing 2-1 in a shootout on February 23. In the past, Boston has won the Cup each time they’ve met the Blues in the Playoffs (1970 and 1972). St. Louis and Boston are no strangers when facing each other in a championship round and luckily the edge is given to Boston. Aside from the Stanley Cup, Boston has faced and won against St. Louis in the NBA Finals (1957-W, 1958-L, 1960-W and 1961-W), the Super Bowl (2002-W), and have split the World Series (1946-L, 1967-L, 2004-W, 2013-W).

Expect this series to be very physical and low-scoring, with Boston looking to outskate to get past a big-bodied Blues defense. Either team will need to take advantage of special teams when given the opportunity. Both goaltenders are playing hot lately, and each team has had a chance to rest. Coach Bruce Cassidy stated recently:

“I think they’re very similar to us, the way they play, forechecking yeah… they play pretty North-South, use all four lines, fourth line particular gets a lot of assignments like ours… think they’re a bit of our twin, so to speak…I see a lot of similarities.”

WHEN TO WATCH: Tonight at 8:00 PM

WHERE TO WATCH: NBC

STANLEY CUP FINAL SCHEDULE:

Game 1: Monday, May 27 at 8 p.m. (TD Garden, Boston, MA) – NBC

Game 2: Wednesday, May 29 at 8 p.m. (TD Garden, Boston, MA) – NBCSN

Game 3: Saturday, June 1 at 8 p.m. (Enterprise Center, St. Louis, MO) – NBCSN

Game 4: Monday, June 3 at 8 p.m. (Enterprise Center, St. Louis, MO) – NBC

Game 5: Thursday, June 6 at 8 p.m. (TD Garden, Boston, MA) – NBC*

Game 6: Sunday, June 9 at 8 p.m. (Enterprise Center, St. Louis, MO) – NBC*

Game 7: Wednesday, June 12 at 8 p.m. (TD Garden, Boston, MA) – NBC*

*IF NECESSARY

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Bruins vs Leafs

FINAL COUNTDOWN: Boston Bruins vs Toronto Maple Leafs, Game 7

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Here we are again. Game 7 in Round One of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The familiar noises and heart-attack inducing feelings are back again at home as the Boston Bruins face the Toronto Maple Leafs for the second straight season. It’s been the match-up that was foreseen as the regular season came to a close with both teams evenly matched.

SETTING THE STAGE

In an all too familiar scenario that saw the Bruins back up against the wall in a pivotal Game 6, the B’s came out fighting for their season and forced a Game 7. Toronto scored first, but soon thereafter the Bruins tied up the game and eventually took a 3-1 lead over the Leafs. Toronto’s star Auston Matthews netted a goal making it 3-2.  With Toronto threatening to even out the score, Boston defense came up huge and managed to keep the Leafs at bay.  In the final minutes of the third period and with an empty Maple Leafs net, Bruins own Brad Marchand netted his second goal of the game, making the final score 4-2.

“…When the season’s on the line, you want to play hard, you want to leave it all out there…We’re playing for our season again next game. You don’t know how it’s gonna play out, but we’ll have fun doing it.”

Bruins Brad Marchand
Bruins vs Leafs
(Photo by Michael Tureski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

FINAL MOMENTS

As both Toronto and Boston Bruins fans gear up for the final showdown this season, the end result will come down to simply which team wants it more. With the momentum coming out from the huge win in Toronto, Boston will need to continue to get their hustle, hitting and better puck control. While the Bruins teams have won its last two Game 7 against Toronto, the past is just that: the past. Toronto is a different team as are the B’s. The Bruins team currently has players that have experience in a do-or-die situation.

“Experience matters. I think it was just the compete level. Our guys, they knew what was at stake (Game 6) if we didn’t perform. I think it showed that they were ready to play. I think we responded well after every loss in the series. That’s a testament to the guys. Going forward, experience matters…It helps me because I haven’t been around that long. Some of the players have been through it more than I have. Our veteran guys have been through it a few times. I assume they’ll draw on different experiences.”

Bruins Head Coach Bruce Cassidy

STAYING ON TOP

Fans will remember that Boston Bruins took a 3-1 series lead last season when they faced Toronto.  The Maple Leafs however came back and tied the series-forcing a Game 7 in Boston. Toronto had the lead in the third period when Boston scored four unanswered goals.  Once again, Boston will face a hungry Maple Leafs team and judging from Sundays game, the Bruins are playing back to their identity.

Bruins vs Leafs
(Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

“To me, that’s the recipe that has been successful for us most of the year, even in this playoff series. They’re a good team that doesn’t give you much. The space is very tight on the ice and when we simplify our game and bring it into their zone, that’s where you want to play obviously. I think it about doing a lot of what we did in Game 6, for sure.”

Bruins Patrice Bergeron

As of this morning, Coach Bruce Cassidy announced that there will be no changes to the line-up for tonight’s game.  As the hours count down to puck drop at 7:00pm tonight at the Garden, no matter the outcome, both Boston and Toronto will be do whatever it takes to win.

May the best team win.

Bruins vs Leafs
(Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

(Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

WHEN TO WATCH:  Tonight, with puck drop at 7:00pm, TD Garden

WHERE TO WATCH: NBCSN, NESN

Follow me on Twitter: @pastagrl88

Boston Bruins

Game 1: Boston Bruins vs Toronto Maple Leafs

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Tonight, the Boston Bruins face a familiar foe in the Toronto Maple Leafs as they square off in Game One of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. While it may be déjà vu for fans on both sides, the Bruins and Leafs are hoping to bring some new elements to their game. With the defeat against Columbus, Boston was able to secure home-ice advantage, and will face Toronto for the third time since 2013 in the postseason.

The boys in Black and Gold are still out with a few injuries, namely Kevan Miller, Sean Kuraly and John Moore. It was announced that Providence’s Connor Clifton will be playing in his first Playoff and looks to  be slotted aside Matt Grzelcyk. Providence’s Karson Kuhlman will also be in the lineup as both have proven themselves this season, earning a spot on the roster. David Backes and Steven Kampfer will be healthy scratches. Pulling no punches and offering no real surprises, Coach Bruce Cassidy announced his starting line-up tonight:

Playoff fever is hitting the team for both veterans and newcomers. The Bruins are chock-full of second season players that had their real first taste of playing in the Playoffs last year as a Bruin. And much to the delight of fans, defenseman Brandon Carlo will finally play in his first Playoff game.

NEW FACES

Weymouth-native Charlie Coyle and Walpole-native Chris Wagner will debut in their first Playoff game in a Bruins uniform. Both have contributed immensely to Boston’s success towards the end of the season. The Bruins ended their season with 11 wins and seven losses, posting a 49-24-9 record with 107 points. They went 3-1-0 against the Leafs this year, however Toronto has a slight edge over the B’s during the Playoffs at 8-7.

Boston Bruins
PHOTO: MADDIE MEYER / GETTY IMAGES

Brad Marchand finished the season with a career high of 100 points, David Pastrnak finished with 81 points while Patrice Bergeron finished with 79 points. David Krejci, whom Cassidy calls an “underlying MVP”, has played in almost every single game this season with 81 games. Krejci has quietly been (along with Marchand) one the teams greatest play maker this season, with 53 assist-a career high for the Czech-born players. Back in the 2008-2009 season, Krejci had 51 assists.

LEAFS

Toronto has had the misfortune of losing to the Bruins in critical games during the Playoffs, however are hoping to exorcise that demon with the the addition of John Tavares. Along with Tavares, the Leafs have added more to their depth that includes Auston Matthews and Nazem Kadri. Tavares ended his season with 47 goals and accumulating 88 points.

The Leafs finished the season with 100 points and third in the Atlantic Division. They are eight in the league for the power play at 25.8%, and ranked fourth in the NHL in goals per game at 3.49. Much like Boston, Toronto has a roster of young talent that have netted 20 or more goals.

DEPTH

Auston Matthews netted 37 goals, while Mitch Marner had 26 goals. Kasperi Kapanen, Zach Hyman and Andreas Johnsson have all scored 20 or more goals this season for the first time. Marner has nine points against the Bruins during the Playoffs; Pastrnak became the youngest NHL player in history to net six points in a playoff game last year-breaking a Wayne Gretzky record.

For Toronto, shutting down the Bruins first line will be a huge focus, as well as goaltending. For Boston, they will need to limit the movement of Tavares, Matthews and Kadri.

BETWEEN THE PIPES

Expect Frederick Andersen in net for Game 1 for the Leafs. In the final few games of the season, the Leaf’s number one goalie went .898 in save percentage-reminiscent of last postseason against the Bruins, where he posted a .896 save percentage. Unlike the Bruins, Toronto has had a bit more tougher time in regards to having a reliable back-up goalie.

Garret Sparks has gone through a rough skid, and re-joined the team yesterday. He continues to work with the goaltending coach for 10 days. Michael Hutchinson, who had been elevated as Andersson’s back-up, missed practice due to his wife giving birth.

Boston Bruins
Photo: USA Today)

Rask’s record has dipped a little with the lowest being a .762 save percentage in the last game against Tampa Bay. Last postseason run against Toronto, Rask had a .899 save percentage. Expect Rask in between the pipes for Boston tonight.

QUOTABLE QUOTES

“They’re an elite team, and we’re going to have to have all facets of our game working to the best… It’s going to start with, right from the drop of the puck, playing the right way, and I think our team knows what our identity is…we have to be very respectful to our opponent, and we should be.”

Bruins GM Don Sweeney

“We trust all the guys in the lineup and the guys that are out, to be honest with you, have played well for us. Someone shows up sick tomorrow, the guys that are going on, we’d be fine with. We’re trying to put the best lineup out there to give us the best chance to win and see how that plays out.”

Bruins Coach Bruce Cassidy

“…Anytime you have a defeat like last season, it drives you to be even better have year, but this is a different team. There’s new guys on the team so it’s kind of a fresh start.”

Toronto Defenseman Jake Gardiner

“It was tough to watch, sitting out like that. It wasn’t fun, for sure. Being able to know I could have an impact on a game and not being able to play, not being out there with the guys you’ve spent a whole season with is tough, especially to see them lose like that and feel like you could have done something about it.”

Toronto Forward Nazem Kadri

PLAYOFF SCHEDULE

Game 1: Thursday, April 11 at 7 p.m. (TD Garden, Boston, MA) – NESN, NBCSN, CBC, TVA
Game 2: Saturday, April 13 at 8 p.m. (TD Garden, Boston, MA) – NBC, CBC, TVA
Game 3: Monday, April 15 at 7 p.m. (Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON) – NESN, NBCSN, CBC, TVA
Game 4: Wednesday, April 17 at 7 p.m. (Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON) – NESN, NBCSN, CBC, TVA

If necessary, Games 5-7 will TBD

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Boston Bruins vs Columbus Blue Jackets

Boston Bruins Clinch Home Ice; Marchand Hits 100

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With two games left to the regular season, and a guaranteed spot in the Playoffs, the Boston Bruins brought some fire last night in Columbus as they defeated the Blue Jackets 6-4. In a win that certainly felt like a Playoff game, the boys in Black and Gold were back to form after dropping their last two games. And for one particular player, last night would be one to remember as teammates swarmed number 63.

HITTING 100

After scoring a goal and tallying up an assist, Marchand reached a personal milestone: he would become the 10th Bruin to net 100 points, joining a list with likes of:

Phil Esposito

Johnny Bucyk

Ken Hodge

Joe Juneau

Rick Middleton

Bobby Orr

Adam Oates

Barry Pederson

Joe Thornton

Fellow teammates as well as the coach had glowing remarks following Marchand hitting that record:

“Couldn’t be prouder..He’s a kid that came through Providence a long time ago-we were both much younger people. He’s worked really, really hard. I’m gonna guess he’s worked as hard as anyone in the National Hockey League to round his shot, his puck play. We’ve incorporate him more on the power play and he’s grabbed it…he’s bought into it, he’s done what we’ve asked…when he’s on the ice, he’s deadly.”

Coach Bruce Cassidy

“Any time you have a 100-point producer on our team, it’s pretty special..he’s an amazing player on the ice, he sees things that other guys don’t see. But off ice, his preparation-him and (Bergeron) ad all the leaders here are pretty similar in that. I think it’s something that as young guys you want to be like them…it’s a pretty special milestone and it was cool to be part of.”

Jake DeBrusk

STARTING AT HOME

With the win over the Jackets, the Boston Bruins have now clinched home ice in the First Round of the Playoffs when they face the Toronto Maple Leafs, who lost last night to Carolina 4-1.  Jake DeBrusk netted two goals, Marcus Johansson scored his first goal as a Bruins, David Pastrnak scored a goal and Marchand scored-leading to his 100th point of the season.  Torey Krug and David Krejci also had career highs in assists.

Boston Bruins vs Columbus Blue Jackets
(Photo: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports)

DeBrusk has scored four goals in his last four games, and has tallied up 27 goals so far this season. He also picked up an assist on Karson Kuhlman’s goal.  DeBrusk’s first goal was credited to him after a lucky bounce got past Sergei Bobrovsky. Johansson scored off a rebound that was set up by Charlie Coyle. Krejci notched his 52nd assist last night, while Krug accumulated his 47th assist. David Pastrnak scored off an assist by Patrice Bergeron.

SLOWING THE JACKETS

The Boston Bruins were able to snap Columbus’s five-game winning streak last night. Bobrovsky was pulled from goal after Boston scored their fourth goal. Joonas Korpisalo took over and allowed two goals. Oliver Bjorkstrand scored in the third, putting the Jackets on board with their first goal of the night. Matt Duchene scored a power-play goal off a pass by Artemi Panarin (who has eight points in his last six games).

The Bruins continue with their road trip as they face the Minnesota Wild on Thursday with an 8:00 pm. start time.

Columbus will look to clinch a Playoff berth when they face the New York Rangers this Friday.

Boston Bruins vs New York Rangers

Game Preview: Bruins vs Rangers

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It’s been a busy few games for the Boston Bruins as they clinched a Playoff berth, Captain Zdeno Chara scored his 200th career NHL goal. and Patrice Bergeron set a new career high when he tallied his 75th point of the season during  their 5-4 loss against Tampa Bay. Despite the recent loss where the Bruins blew a 2 goal lead, the boys will be looking to get back into gear as they fight for home ice advantage in the first round of the Playoffs.

SOME UPDATES

It was announced that Torey Krug and Marcus Johansson will be returning tonight as the Boston Bruins face the New York Rangers on home ice. Matt Grzelcyk and Kevan Miller are “probable for the weekend.” Defenseman John Moore is week-to-week with an upper body injury. Moore left the Tampa Bay game and was seen wearing an arm sling.  Expect Jaroslav Halak (20-10-4) in net tonight. He comes into tonight’s game with a 2.31 goals against average, and a .924 save percentage.

Boston Bruins vs New York rangers
(Photo Credits: Get More Sports)

The Bruins are 10-5 in their last 15 games. Brad Marchand still leads the team with 94 points, and in goals (34). He also leads the team in assists with 60 (so far). David Pastrnak is now second to Marchand in goals with 33.  The top BMP line have netted over 30 goals each. The team is now five points ahead of Toronto with a 46-21-9 record.

Here were this morning’s rushes:

THE BLUESHIRTS ARE COMING!

The Rangers are coming off a 5-2 loss against the Pittsburgh Penguins and will be looking to complete their sweep of the Bruins. Boston has not lost on home ice since January 31st and if they beat the Rangers tonight, it would be their 12th straight victory at home.

Ranger’s Mika Zibanejad has 10 points in is last 12 games versus the B’s. The blueshirts are 9-1 in their last 10 games against the Bruins.  Expect Henrik Lundqvist  in net, who has won all three games (so far) this season when facing Boston. He has an 18-20-10 record wit a 2.99 goals against average with a .909 save percentage.

Boston Bruins vs New York Rangers
(Photo Credits; Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports)

QUICK STATS

Zibanejad leads the team in points (68), goals (28) and in assists (40). Chris Kreider is not too far off with 26 goals and 49 assists . Both Kreider and Marc Staal are considered day-to day as they recover from lower-body injuries. The Rangers are currently out of the Playoff picture as they are seventh in the Metro Division with a 29-33-13 record.

WHEN TO WATCH: Tonight with puck drop at 7:30 PM-TD Garden/Boston

WHERE TO WATCH: NBCSN

Follow me on Twitter @pastagrl88

Bruins vs Devils

Game Preview: Bruins vs Devils

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Despite the snowfall in Boston, the Bruins are looking hot as they face the New Jersey Devils tonight at TD Garden. Since the trade deadline, former Devils Marcus Johansson is set to face his old team. Tonight’s game will also mark the 666th career game for Brad Marchand, who has 18 points in his past 12 games. Tuukka Rask , who’s been playing red-hot (13-0-3), will get the start in net.

Bruins vs Devils
(Photo: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports)

HOT IN THE CITY

The Bruins are coming off a huge 4-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning this past Thursday. Boston is hoping to extend their amazing game point streak to 16 games. Forward Jake DeBrusk has 12 points in his last eight games. A big side note: Boston has gone the entire month of February without a regulation loss. During the Lightning game, Bruins forward Sean Kuraly took a nasty hit that saw him being bounced between Braydon Coburn and Erik Cernak. He has been placed in the NHL concussion protocol.

UPDATES

With Kuraly’s sidelined, Providence’s Peter Cehlarik is once again recalled on an emergency basis. He will be most likely slotted with Charlie Coyle and David Backes. Look for Joakim Nordstrom to play with Noel Acciari and Chris Wagner. Kevan Miller will miss tonight’s game as he is recovering from an upper-body injury. For new Bruins player Marcus Johansson, he was quoted that facing his old team will be a “little weird”:

“Obviously made a lot of good friendships. It’s gonna be weird, but I got to do it when I got to Jersey and played Washington, so I kind of know the feeling a little bit, but it’s gonna be a little odd at first.”

Patrice Bergeron was given another maintenance day on Friday. David Pastrnak continues to skate as he recuperates from his surgery. With the regular season coming to a close, expect more maintenance days for key veteran players:

“…weeks like this, we’d rather them not skate day of game. So if they go out today and do like a pregame skate for 15 minutes, sometimes the day after a game, as long as you get your sleep, its easier than going twice the day of a game…There may come a time when you might give them the whole day off and no morning skate but that kind of depends..how they feel, the fatigue level.”

Coach Bruce Cassidy
Bruins vs Devils
(Photo Credits: Steven Ryan | Getty Images)

OPPOSING TEAM

The New Jersey Devils will be facing the Bruins for the second time tonight with the Devils beating Boston 5-2 back on December 27th. New Jersey lost to the Flyers last night 6-3. They have lost two straight and are 5-8-1 in their last 14 games. Drew Stafford will play his 100th game for the Devils. Jersey are 1-5-1 when they play the Bruins in Boston.

Right-winger Kyle Palmieri leads the team in goals (26) and points (48). Nico Hischier leads the team with 27 assists. Their current record is 25-32-8 and they are last in the Metropolitan Division. The Bruins (38-17-9) are second in the Atlantic Division and third in the league. Mackenzie Blackwood will start in between the pipes for the Devils.

WHEN TO WATCH: Tonight with puck drop at 7:00 PM

WHERE TO WATCH: NESN, MSG+

Game Preview: Boston Bruins vs. Vegas Golden Knights

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The Boston Bruins continue with their western trip when they face the Vegas Golden Knights tonight at the T-Mobile Arena. With a thrilling overtime win over the San Jose Sharks, the B’s are looking to make it seven in a row. With the uncertainty of when David Pastrnak will return to the line-up, the time for “next man up” has been more pronounced these past few games.

BOSTON BRUINS VS VEGAS KNIGHTS
(PHOTO CREDITS: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports)

OFFENSIVE PLAY

In the past four games without Pastrnak (which the B’s have won), the team has scored 19 goals, with many coming from second-year players that have been going through their sophomore slump. Both Jake DeBrusk and Danton Heinen have finally found their voice, and are enjoying the recent burst of offensive play. DeBrusk has had goals and assists in all four games, while Heinen has had a goal and three assists. The fourth line has also contributed with three goals and four assists.

“We miss Pasta…we have enough solid leaders that it’s –next man up is the term, no passengers…next guy that goes in has to do the job. Did we expect to score this many goals without Pasta? No.  We were trending as a lower-scoring team…Maybe that’s just the guys saying, ‘We’ve got to pick up the pace here.’

Coach Bruce Cassidy
BOSTON BRUINS VS VEGAS KNIGHTS
(PHOTO CREDITS: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports)

DEFENSE

Defense has also stepped up for the B’s with Torey Krug, Zdeno Chara and Charlie McAvoy each picking up goals in the recent game against the Sharks. McAvoy has netted three goals in six games and scored the winning goals in Los Angeles and San Jose. With the trade deadline fast approaching and rumors flying, the team’s focus continues to be assertive with the puck and racking up crucial points.

STATS

The Bruins are now second in the Atlantic Division, two points ahead of Toronto, and fourth in the league with 78 points (tied with San Jose). They are now 35-17-8. Brad Marchand leads the team with 70 points and 47 assists. The injured Pastrnak still leads the team with 31 goals; Marchand has 22, while Bergeron has 21 (DeBrusk is fourth with 18). Coach Bruce Cassidy announced that Jaroslav Halak will get the start in net tonight. Halak is sixth in the league for goals against average (2.35) with a 15-9-4 record. Goaltender Tuukka Rask has been playing stellar as of late: he is 12-0 in his last 12 games played.

BOSTON BRUINS VS LAS VEGAS KNIGHTS
(PHOTO CREDITS: Review Journal)

VIVA LAS VEGAS

The Vegas Knights are coming off a 3-0 shut-out loss to the Colorado Avalanche this past Monday night in their final road trip game in February. They have dropped their last four out of five games and are 3-8-0. Right-winger Alex Tuch leads the team with 42 points and 26 assists. Jonathan Marchessault leads the team with 19 goals. Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury leads the league with 29 wins and six shutouts. Fleury has a record of 29-18-4 with a 2.61 goals against average and a .908 save percentage. The Knights are third in the Pacific Division and are 32-25-4.

The two teams last met on November 11, with Boston winning 4-1.

WHEN TO WATCH:  Tonight with puck drop at 10:00 PM here in the East Coast

WHERE TO WATCH: NBCSN

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