Boston Bruins Merlot Men make an impact in win over Columbus.

Oct 31, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins right wing Shawn Thornton (22) chases the puck in the corner during the second period against the Anaheim Ducks at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Shawn Thornton is not known for having forty goal seasons. What he is know for is being a winger on the best fourth line in the NHL. He brings a professional demeanor, solid energy, and two very large fists to every game. He’s one of those veteran players that can pull something out of his bag of tricks to surprise other hockey players and their fans. (Remember this one?)

When the Bruins played Columbus last night, we saw both sides of the Bruins again. We saw the fantastic passing, strong communication, and great work on the ice. We also saw bad cues, passes that went nowhere and some defensive breakdowns that allows two goals to get through Chad Johnson. When the Bruins were in a 1-1 tie in the middle of the second period, Gregory Campbell got the puck and passed it to Thornton. His slap shot went off Columbus defenseman Jack Johnson‘s skate and past their goalie, Sergei Bobrovsky.

Sure, it was just one goal. It was an important goal though. The fourth line threw everything they had in another game for the Bruins. You get so used to seeing Campbell and Thornton scrap, you forget how quick they can be on the ice. The Merlot line are generating points again for Boston, and that’s something that makes their head coach smile.

“Thorny [Shawn Thornton] scored that second goal, which was a big goal for us; it gave us the lead. Even though Looch didn’t want to give him credit for it because it hit the D’s stick, and he made sure to tell him on the bench. So there’s a lot of support as you can see on that bench for guys that score goals,” said Cluade Julien after the game. “But it was a big goal, and that line continues to give us that on regular nights. If not that, it’s the momentum it’s the energy that they give us. It’s coming around. I thought that line probably started off slow this year, but we’re starting to see the line that we’re used to seeing.”