Bruins dispatch the Lightning 4-2, excise old demons from disastrous road trip last season

February 21, 2013; Tampa FL, USA; Boston Bruins right wing

(18) scores a goal against Tampa Bay Lightning goalie

(39) during the first period at Tampa Times Forum. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The last time the Boston Bruins went south to face the Tampa Bay Lightning it ended with Steven Stamkos scoring his 60th goal of the season in a 6-1 route of the B’s during a long and miserable stretch toward the end of the season. Whatever lingering demons may have been around following that loss are long gone as the Boston Bruins came out gunning and dispatched their soon to be new divisional partners in a 4-2 win in Tampa.

The Bruins opened the scoring early with a wrist shot by Nathan Horton 1 minute and 11 seconds into the game. 2 minutes later the Boston Bruins added another from Patrice Bergeron. Steven Stamkos would continue his Thomas Vanek like prowl on the Bruins scoring on a high snap shot 8 minutes into the period. Cory Conacher added an equalizer goal and when it seemed things would be coming up Tampa, Brad Marchand ended all hope to bring the Bruins up 3-2. Nathan Horton finished the game off with his own “Stamkosian™” point shot to net the game winner. With a chance for a hat trick with an open goal in front of him, the posts were his worst nightmare. He rang the puck off the post twice and then the period came to an end.

Tuukka Rask continues to show his dominance and full capability as starting goalie here in Boston. Going 24 for 26 on the night in saves and posting a .923 SV%, Rask is showing full well he is ready to take on the long work load of a starting goalie for seasons to come. Tampa Bay goalie Andres Lindback, while shaky to start the period, faced the same amount of shots as Rask, posting an .846 SV%.

The Bruins would not get to show for sure if they have been developing on the powerplay the last couple of games, but one thing is for certain; the Penalty Kill is on fire and I don’t think it’s a fire anyone is gonna put out anytime soon. The Bruins killed off 3 penalties and continue to lead the NHL with 94.1 % penalties killed on the year so far. The Bruins would have had a powerplay chance near the end of the game on a trip by Vincent Lecavalier on Nathan Horton however the call came literally at the end of the game so no man advantage for Boston.

The Bruins continue to impress and will continue their road trip in the south with a matinee stop at the Florida Panther’s doorstep.