Tag Archives: NHL Bruins

Boston Bruins

Boston Bruins Blow Leafs Away 5-1

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Last night loud cheers and excitement from the Black and Gold faithful flooded Causeway Street as the Boston Bruins defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs in a crucial do-or-die Game 7. For Boston, the scenario was all too familiar. And for fans on both sides of the fence, this series was poised to reach a Game 7. 

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY

For Toronto fans, the hope was that their young team would finally slay the dragon, as they have lost to Boston in the same fashion twice in a row. With Boston up 3-1 in the third, Bruins’ Charlie Coyle would seal their fate by netting a wrist shot in the final few minutes of the period. Within seconds at the end of the period, Patrice Bergeron would end the night as he backhanded another goal, making the final score 5-1.

FOURTH LINE MAGIC

Boston’s fourth line, along with goaltender Tuukka Rask (more on him later) were the heavy stars in last night’s wild victory.  The Kuraly-Nordstrom-Acciari trio proved to be huge in both Game 6 and Game 7. That line started things off for Boston, as Joakim Nordstrom ripped the puck through the pads and glove of Frederick Andersen, giving Boston a 1-0 lead.

Minutes later, fellow Swedish player Marcus Johannson sent one in with a wrist shot, making the score 2-0 Boston. As the lone goal of the night for Toronto (and the only one in the second period), John Tavares netted a goal that shot by Tuukka Rask, making the score 2-1. With Toronto just one goal away from tying the game, Boston’s fourth line would deliver one of the game’s bigger moments, as 26-year-old Sean Kuraly (coming back from a fractured hand) banked a goal that added some cushion to the Bruins lead.

Kuraly has scored five goals in 19 career post-season games. And yes, the Kuraly-leap was back and he was missed:

“We talked about him missing the start of the series. And you talk about a depth guy and think how much you can miss him, but we use him a lot of different ways for us.”

Bruins Coach Bruce Cassidy

ALL ABOUT THE GOALTENDING

Tuukka Rask: a name that causes debate among fans and sport pundits alike. Those Tuukka haters are loud and very quick to point out that with Rask in net, the Bruins will never win a cup. And any goal that gets past Rask is a “soft” one, or rather “he should’ve had it!” No matter how you feel about Rask and the holes you can poke into his performance on any regular season game, last night the Bruins goaltender was impressive.

https://twitter.com/NHLBruins/status/1120887082774409216

Along with a determined Bruins team, Rask was able to keep the Leafs at bay and allowed only one goal. He made 32 saves total for the night.

“I hope fans recognized what he did tonight…hopefully people get behind him and acknowledge that…It’s a big Game 7 win. I believe he was our best player. ”

Bruins Coach Bruce Cassidy

“He was a big difference in tonight’s game. He made some big saves, controlled the rebounds, especially in the second period when they started pushing us. They were putting a lot of pucks at the net, creating more offensive zone time. Tuukka was just very strong for us. And we needed that. Sometimes it’s not always going to be perfect breaking out the pucks and making plays, but that’s when you have to rely on your goalie and that we did.”

Bruins Captain Zdeno Chara

NEXT UP: Against the Columbus Blue Jacket, Second Round, Game 1

WHEN: Thursday, April 25th at TD Garden with puck drop at 7:00 pm

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.

Sean Kuraly

Boston Bruins Sean Kuraly Out

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The Boston Bruins announced an update this morning on center Sean Kuraly. This past Thursday, March 21st, Kuraly sustained a fracture to his right hand after blocking a slap shot from New Jersey’s Steven Santini during the third period. Dr Matt Leibman performed the surgery and recovery time is expected to be four weeks.

ANOTHER MAN DOWN

With the many injuries that have plagued this Bruins roster, Kuraly has displayed hustle, while developing chemistry on his line, especially with Chris Wagner.

sean kuraly
(Photo Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports)

“They’ve been a good pair, whether they’ve been wings with Noel or whoever gets thrown in there. Or if Sean goes to center. I think they both play the same way…Hard to play against, because of their ability to possess the puck, but also to get it behind you and make you earn your way back up the ice.”

Coach Bruce Cassidy

He came up big during the 5-0 victory over the New York Islanders this past Tuesday, netting two goals in that game. The 6-foot-2-inch center has become an important part of the Bruins shut-down line. With Kuraly out, the Bruins have recalled Providence’s Karson Kuhlman on an emergency basis.

Kuhlman made his NHL debut back on February 16th in a game against the Los Angeles Kings, and scored his first NHL goal in a game against San Jose Sharks.

OTHER BRUINS NEWS

The Boston Bruins have also announced that they signed veteran and Captain Zdeno Chara to a one-year extension through the 2019-2020 season worth $2 million, plus an additional $1.75 million in performance-based incentives.

The team is currently down in Florida where they enjoyed a day off a the Jacobs Manor. The Bruins will be facing the Florida Panthers at the BB&T Center tonight, with puck drop at 7:00pm. If victorious over the Panthers, Boston will punch their way into the Playoffs.

Boston Bruins vs Florida Panthers

Bruins Tame Panthers In Wild Win

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As Boston tied the game late in the third and with six seconds left, Saint Patrice would score the winning goal as the Bruins beat the Panthers 4-3, extending their game-point streak to 18 games (the second-longest in Bruins history).

Boston Bruins vs Florida Panthers
(Photo Credits: Joe Mariski)

FALLING BEHIND AND GETTING BACK UP

After a scoreless first, Florida got on board in the second when Alexander Barkov scored on a power play at 2:48 in the second, with Brandon Carlo being called on a tripping penalty. Boston was once again down a player as Captain Zdeno Chara received a delay of game penalty. Unfortunately, Florida took advantage as Jonathan Huberdeau scored, making it 2-0.

Boston would get on board when David Krejci scored off a feed from Danton Heinen at 10: 29, making it 2-1 in the second. With the third underway, the Bruins once again found themselves in the penalty box, however Patrice Bergeron would net a short-handed goal, tieing the game at 2-2.

Boston Bruins vs Florida Panthers
(Staff Photo By Matt Stone/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald)

MOOUNTING A COMEBACK

With a Bruins mounting a comeback, Florida would momentarily throw a wrench into their plans when Jonathan Buberdeau found his puck in the back of the net, making the score 3-2 Florida. As minutes started winding down in the third period, Florida would be down a player. Matt Grzelcyk would tie the game at 19:23 on the power-play. In stunning fashion, Patrice Bergeron would net the winning goal seconds later, making the final score 4-3 and handing Florida their sixth straight loss.

Tuukka Rask made 22 saves in net, while Roberto Luongo made 24 saves for Florida. The Bruins are now 41-17-9 and are still second in the Atlantic Divison and in the league. With the loss, Florida is now 28-27-12. Boston will face the Ottawa Senators this Saturday at the TD Garden.

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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+

Boston Bruins vs Chicago Blackhawks

Bruins End Blackhawks Winning Streak

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The Boston Bruins wrapped up a perfect three-game homestead as they defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 6-3 at the TD Garden on a snowy Tuesday night. Chicago came into Boston with a seven-game winning streak. With news coming that the Bruins star right-winger David Pastrnak being out for a few weeks, the time came for the team to step up, and tonight Boston delivered.

Boston Bruins vs Chicago Blackhawks
(Photo Credits: Steve Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)

GAME RECAP

The Blackhawks started things off when Alex DeBrincat scored at 4:22 of the first period, making the score 1-0. Chicago’s Brent Seabrook would be called for a tripping penalty against Chris Wagner. David Krejci would tie the game when he scored at 14:47 in the first on a power-play. A few moments later, Danton Heinen would net a wrister at 15:56 in the first making the score 2-1. Boston was not done yet, as number 63 Brad Marchand would score a wrist shot at 18:59 in the first. Score at the end of the first period: Bruins 3, Blackhawks 1

BOSTON RESPONDS

Towards the end of the second period, Jake DeBrusk would tip-in a goal at 18:06, getting the B’s up 4-1, however, Chicago would show some life as Duncan Keith slapped the puck past Rask, making the score at the end of the second 4-2. With the third period getting underway, the Blackhawks Erik Gustafsson would score a wrister that beat Rask, putting Chicago within one goal of tying the game. A slashing penalty would send Chicago’s Dylan Strome to the box at 5:42. Torey Krug had a beautiful set up that lead to a power-play goal by Peter Cehlarik at 7:18 in the third. David Krejci would net his second goal of the night at 15:42, making the final score 6-3.

BY THE NUMBERS

Brad Marchand had quite the night as he racked up a goal with three assists. Danton Heinen continues to find his groove after a slow start in his second season with the Black and Gold, as he added one goal with two assists. Heinen has six points and three goals in his last four games. Jake Debrusk also had one goal with two assists. David Krejci had two goals and an assist, while goaltender Tuukka Rask made 23 saves; he is now 10-0-3 in his past 13 starts. With the win, Coach Bruce Cassidy has won his 100th career victory in 166 games, making him the second-fastest Bruins coach to reach that milestone.

Chicago’s Patrick Kane extended his point streak to 15 games when he notched an assist to the Erik Gustafsson goal in the third period. Kane has now tied Stan Mikita for the longest point streak in Blackhawks history.

UP NEXT FOR THE BRUINS

Continuing with a western trip, the Bruins will head out California when they face the Anaheim Ducks this Friday, February 15th with a 10:00 pm start, EST. In another back-to-back series, Boston will then face the LA Kings on Saturday, the 16th at 10:30 pm.

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Boston Bruins vs Philadelphia Flyers

Tuukka Returns; Bruins vs Flyers

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Tuukka Rask returns tonight after suffering a concussion that saw the goaltender out for one game. The return also marks a possible career-milestone for Rask, who looks to overtake Bruins goaltender Tiny Thompson’s record for most career wins. The B’s are also looking to win tonight to get back into 3rd place in the Atlantic division, as they are now one point behind Montreal. With Monday’s shootout loss to the Winnipeg Jets, the Bruins are now 0-1-1 in their last two games.

A FLYING STREAK

In their last meeting during regular season, the Philadelphia Flyers (21-23-6) will face the Boston Bruins at the TD Garden. Philly is looking to extend their five-game win streak to six, after going 1-7-2 in their previous 10 games. Rookie goaltender Carter Hart will get the start in net for the Flyers. The two teams played against each other January 16th, with the Flyers nabbing the 4-3 win. Sean Couturier had a hat trick, and Claude Giroux reached a career high of 500 assists.

Boston Bruins vs Philadelphia Flyers
(Photo Credits: Rob Carr/Getty Images North America

Giroux currently leads the team with 52 points and 38 assists. Couturier leads the team with 19 goals. If the Flyers win tonight, it would be their longest winning streak since 2010. It will also give them their 2,000th road point. Despite having won two of the last three games, they have lost nine of their last games in Boston.  Couturier has recorded a point in seven of his last eight games played.

LOOKING FOR A WIN

Boston Bruins face Philadelphia Flyers
(Photo Credits: Eric Hartline-USA Today Sports)

The Bruins (27-17-6) are coming off  their mandatory bye-week and  suffered a shootout loss to the jets 4-3. Despite the loss, the Bruins played with little rust, although by the third period, things got away as the Jets scored two goals seconds apart in the third period.   Boston is 2nd in the league for the power play at 27.3%. Joakim Nordstrom will return to the lineup tonight after suffering a fractured fibula.

WELCOME BACK

Boston Bruins vs Philadelphia Flyers
(Photo Credits: Leon Halip/Getty Images North Americ)

With Halak slipping in his numbers, news of the return of “Tuukka Time” offered fans a bit of relief:


“…we trust him. If he’s not ready that fine. He’s coming off a pretty serious hit there..”

Coach Bruce Cassidy on Rask

Rask’s season has had many ups and downs, but recently looking to be back on track. Rask is now third in the NHL for goals against average with 2.43. Nordstrom will be slotted alongside Sean Kuraly and Chris Wagner. John Moore will also be back in the lineup with Matt Grzelcyk out. He’ll be playing next to Brandon Carlo. David Pastrnak still leads the team with 59 points and 28 goals. Brad Marchand continues to lead the team in assists with 37.

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

WHERE TO WATCH: NHLN, NESN, NBCSP+

Follow me on Twitter @pastagrl88

David Pastrnak/All-Star

David Pastrnak An All Star

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The boys in Black and Gold continue to enjoy some time off during their mandatory bye week, but there’s one young Czech winger who is gearing up to get back on the ice this weekend at the NHL All-Star Games. 22-year-old David Pastrnak was voted to represent the spoked-B in San Jose this year. With this being his first appearance, Pastrnak is soaking in the sights and sounds. And judging from his big chipped-tooth smile, he’s looking pretty happy to be there.

BY THE NUMBERS

Pastrnak currently leads the team in goals (27) and points (56) through 49 games. He’s tied for ninth place in the NHL for goals, and is tied for first in the league in power play goals. It’s been a very good season so far with Pasta putting up some impressive numbers. This year he became the third fastest Bruin to score 100 NHL goals, as well as the third fastest Czech; right behind Jaromir Jagr and Petr Klima. He also scored 11 goals in the month of October, becoming the third Bruin to reach that milestone behind Phil Esposito and Charlie Simmer. He scored his 20th goal in 28 games, which is the fastest by a Boston Bruin since Cam Neely. (Neely scored 20 in 19 games in the 1993-94 season).

“I’m having a good season, thanks to my linemates and teammates. Just gonna enjoy it and focus on the season..trying to stay humble, but at the same time it’s fun and my family is really happy and proud. “

David Pastrnak

Bruins All-Stars

Pasta is in good company of active Bruins players who have been elected to the All-Star Game. Patrice Bergeron has made two appearances, while Captain Zdeno Chara made six. Brad Marchand was elected twice in 2017 and 2018, while goaltender Tuukka Rask went in 2017.

David Pastrnak
(Photo Credits NBC Sports)

Yesterday marked the first day to the start of the All-Star weekend, which included Media Day. On Friday, there will be an All-Star Skills Competition starting at 9 pm. This includes: fastest skater, premier passer, save streak, puck control, hardest shot and accuracy shooter. On Saturday the All-Star Game will start at 5:00 PM, with the Central playing against Pacific.  Game two will feature the Metro vs. Atlantic. Pastrnak joins a pretty star-heavy team that includes: Jack Eichel, Jeff Skinner, Nikita Kucherov, Steven Stamkos, Andre Vasilevskiy, Auston Matthews, John Tavares, Thomas Cabot, Keith Yandle and Jimmy Howard.

Boston Bruins vs New York Rangers

Game Preview: Bruins vs Rangers

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The Boston Bruins will be facing the New York Rangers tonight at the TD Garden in their last game before the NHL All-Star break. After the game, Boston players will have the next eight days off (except for David Pastrnak).

After a 4-2 win over the St. Louis Blues this past Thursday night on home ice, the Bruins will be looking to get one more win and perhaps take over the second spot in the Atlantic Division. The B’s are on the heals of Toronto and with a win tonight, goaltender Tuukka Rask will be looking to make Bruins history as he would become the winningest goalie in franchise history.

Boston Bruins Tuukka Rask
(Photo Credits:: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports)

HOT IN THE NET

Currently Rask is on a hot streak with a 6-0-1 record and has a seven-game point streak. After having a tough start to the season, Rask has slowly surged back to reclaim the number one goalie spot. While there will always be naysayers in regards to the goalie situation in Boston, the Bruins really have had two great goalies on their roster. Despite his recent slump, Jaroslav Halak has certainly provided much needed help in net as Rask worked to get his groove back.

RETURN TO THE GARDEN

Former bruins D-Man Adam McQuiad
(Photo Credits: Getty Images)

For tonight’s game against the Blues, expect Rask to get the start in net. The Bruins are now 10-4-1 in their last 15 games played. In the first meeting between these two teams, fans will see the return of former Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid, who had been in Boston throughout his career up until last season when he was traded to New York. Tonight will mark his 486th NHL career game and first against the B’s.

Boston Bruins vs New York Rangers
(Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)

Another little side note: David Quinn, a native of Rhode Island, coached Charlie McAvoy at Boston University for two years. Quinn was a Terrier for three years before becoming the assistant coach and eventually becoming head coach in 2013. This past Spring, he stepped down to become the new head coach for the Rangers and will be returning to his old stomping grounds at the TD Garden. For McAvoy, tonight’s game will a special one:

“Couple guys who I’m really excited to see. Both guys are great friends of mine. (Quinn) he really molded me pretty well, allowed me to grow up while I was at school there, taught me a lot of life lessons on the ice…I’m thankful for the things that he taught me.

Charlie McAvoy
Boston Bruins vs New York Rangers
(Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports)

BROADWAY BLUES

New York will be coming off winning their last two game straight and beat Chicago this past Thursday 4-3. Their record is 20-20-7 while Boston is at 27-16-5. With the recent win over the Blackhawks, Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist is now tied for 6th place for the NHL’s all-time wins (445). Forward Chris Kreider leads the team with 22 goals. Mika Zibanejad leads the team with 42 points and has 27 assists. The Ranger top line of Kreider, Zibanejad and Mats Zuccarello have a combined 13 points in their last few games. They are 7-1 against the Bruins and have outscored them 26-12.

Here were this morning’s rushes for the Boston Bruins:

For the New York Rangers, here are there projected lines:

KREIDER-ZIBANEJAD-ZUCCARELLO

CHYTIL- STROME- FAST

VESEY- NIEVES- NAMESTNIKOV

MCLEOD- HOWDEN- BUCHNEVICH

STALL-DEANGELO

SKJEI- MCQUIAD

LINDGREN- SHATTENKIRK

LUNDQVIST

MAZANEC

WHEN AND WHERE TO WATCH: Tonight with puck drop at 7:00 pm on NHLN, NESN, MSG