Torey Krug’s first three point game gives Bruins 4-1 win over Jets
Jan 4, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Torey Krug (47) skates during the third period against the Winnipeg Jets at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
The Boston Bruins played a full sixty minutes of hockey today. The Bruins(28-12-2) showed off the potential of their AHL players, and their commitment to the Claude Julien system by shooting down the Jets(19-20-5) rather easily in a solid 4-1 win at the TD Garden. The Bruins played to their strengths and the entire team came in to make that win possible. While Dustin Byfuglien got the first goal for the Winnipeg, the Bruins defensive minded game kicked in. That game, mixed in with Tuukka Rask‘s determination in net shut down any other attempt by the Jets to get back into the game.
Daniel Paille tied it up for Boston in the first period. Paille has been on a hot streak of his own putting up three tallies in his last four games. The Merlot Men(sans Thornton) have been proving they are still the most dangerous fourth line in the NHL today.
The Bruins have always seemed to have trouble in the second period. That wasn’t the case this afternoon. In fact, it was probably one of the finest second periods the B’s have played all season. That second period was centered around two key players in that period. Torey Krug on the offense, and Tuukka Rask in net. Krug put in two solid goals, breaking his scoring slump and earning his first career three point game in the NHL.
Krug is once again tied for the lead for goals amongst NHL defensemen. Krug has been one of those players that has been steady and reliable. That’s amazing for a twenty two year old playing in his first full NHL season. The learning curve is steep and unforgiving, and in this league a man on the blue line usually doesn’t reach their prime until they’re close to thirty years old. That he’s taking on so much responsibility (especially with the near constant string of injuries plaguing the Bruins d-men), shows his character and commitment to playing at this level.
Coach Claude Julien had several great things to say about Krug’s performance tonight(which earned him first star honors). “He was terrible…two goals, one assist,” offered Julien to the media post-game. “No, he played well. When he’s on top of his game offensively, he makes things happen.” Julien has once again taken a talented college player and made him a serious force to be reckoned with in the NHL. “A lot of good things moving the puck and carrying the puck up ice and he’s been a great asset to our hockey club. And an asset that we have been looking for, for a long time.”
Reilly Smith added an insurance goal in the third period, added to his team leading total of goals this season. He’s got fifteen and he’s proven what an evil genius Peter Chiarelli is when it comes to trades. Sure, we all miss Rich “Raptor Jesus” Peverley, but the production of Smith has thrilled Bruins Nation. It’s amazing we’ve got another talented player on the squad. The Bruins now have a tough three game road game ahead of them as the Bruins embark on a tour of California to take on the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, and the San Jose Sharks.