Road Warriors

              
                                            Bruins 3 - Flames 1

The Bruins continued their solid play on the road with a workman-like win over the red-hot Calgary Flames last night at the Scotiabank Saddledome. All the while, the Bruins extended their win streak to three games as they have started their longest road trip of the season 3-0-0. Milan Lucic (26-16-42) scored twice for the B's, including a beautiful tip-in driving hard to the net on a solid slap pass from David Krejci. Catching the Flames in a change, Looch drove hard to the net to beat the defenseman and grabbed the goal less than 1 minute into the contest. The game remained 1-0 until 6 minutes had gone by in the third frame when Brad Marchand executed on a wide open net off a re-direct from Patrice Bergeron, giving the Bruins a 2-0 lead. It was "Marshmonts" (see: 98.5 The Sports Hub) 19th of the season. Curtis Glencross made it interesting at 2-1 in the waning minutes on a power play but the Bruins were able to add an ENG to seal the win and 2 points.

7 full days of rest was just what the doctor ordered for #1 netminder Tim Thomas. Serving as the back up for the past two contests helped Timmy get the rest he needed to get back on his Vezina-esque game. Coming up with timely stops, while having a goalies best friend (the post) bail him out a few times, he kept the Bruins in the lead for good. Per-usual, the Bruins defense had a couple lapses and only one proved costly as Timmy was able to challenge the shooters. 3 more days of rest will help keep Thomas sharp heading into Vancouver on Saturday.

It seems that new comers Rich Peverley and Chris Kelley have provided a spark in the forward corps as the front 12 brought their forecheck to another level last night. Sticks in passing lanes and solid body contact created numerous turnovers some of which leading to scoring chances. This is the blueprint for success down the line and into the playoffs. Winning individual battles is key in creating scoring chances and winning games. The Bruins showed that willingness to battle last night in an arena that they have not proved victorious in over 13 years until last night.

The importance of last nights win was magnified after the fact because of Montreal's surprising win over the NHL-leading Canucks late last night. They remain 4 points ahead of the Habs and still sit in the third position in the East. A good portion of the B's upcoming schedule is on the road, which has been friendly to them this year as they have amassed a 19-7-4 record away from the Garden. 

All in all, the Bruins showed that they can compete with the best of what the NHL has to offer after they had a few dismal performances against Detroit. The question of consistency will come into play before a HUGE tilt vs. Vancouver on Saturday. If the Bruins can bring the same effort showed last night, every night, there is a very good chance our boys in the Black and Gold can make a deep run into Lord Stanley's playoffs. GO BRUINS!