The Bruins need to beat the Blues

Nov 9, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara (33) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the first period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

This is my first article for The Causeway Crowd so Bear with me. Like a persons’ first time on skates, I’m bound to fall flat on my face a few times.

On Tuesday evening the Bruins went to MSG as a part of a three game road trip. They had gone 1 – 1 at that point, with an embarrassing loss to the Senators backed up by a solid win against the windless ‘Canes. In recent games the Bruins have got off to good starts, posting two goal leads early, then inexplicably turn into a different team. I’m not sure if this type of play is by design or not but as a life-long Bruins fan it’s frustrating.

Thankfully, Tuukka Rask stood on his head (43 saves on the night) and the Bruins didn’t go home losing two out of three road games. To this point in the season I have yet to see a complete game effort, with all four lines giving their all. I’m not sure why this is or what their waiting for but the time is now, as their about to face one of their toughest opponents in the St. Louis Blues. The Blues sit in second place in the Western Conference with 31 points, to the Bruins 29.

This is precisely the type of team the Bruins need to beat if they want to establish themselves as one of the best teams in hockey. The Blues are a dangerous team with several scoring lines, lead by LW Alexander Steen who has 26 points, (17 Goals) in 20 games. Following him on the score sheet is Center- David Backes with 20 points in as many games. They also possess three good “puck moving” Defensemen in; Bouwmeester, Pietrangelo and Shattenkirk who combine for 46 points.

The Bruins cannot take this opponent lightly, nor can they expect to sit back on a lead or be bailed out by their goaltender. I realize the B’s are dealing with some injuries of late but just like Coach Julien, I hate to make excuses. Cam Neely himself said he expects his team to be in playoff position come U.S. Thanksgiving. Well we’re about to shop for turkey but the Bruins have yet to show us they’re a legitimate playoff threat. The B’s need to send a message to the Blues on Thursday night and that message is “Not in our building”.