Jan 19, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Milan Lucic (17) reacts after scoring a goal against New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist (30) and New York Rangers defenseman Stu Bickel (41) during the first period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Michael Ivins-USA TODAY Sports
It’s only been two games, but the Boston Bruins do seem to have their middle of the season form back. The team has worked hard to bring its fans two early victories this season. The team is now getting to stretch its legs for the first road trip of the year, and some of the Bruins are ready to go. “I think it’s back in that mid-season routine. Even more so today, getting the feeling of getting back on the road, flying, getting into a hotel and all that fun stuff,” said Milan Lucic following today’s abbreviated practice before heading over to the airport to get onboard ‘Bear Force One’. “We talked about it, that we were fortunate to have a lot of the same group of guys here and having that chemistry, which has helped out a lot.”
The Bruins are working to give themselves one of the better starting records in recent history. “This is my sixth year here, and this is the first time we’ve ever started 2-0, since I’ve been here.” offered Lucic. Boston is going up against a struggling New York Rangers club who are still trying to shake off the rust of the last two games. The Rangers fell to the Bruins on opening night at the TD Garden 3-1. Then they went home to their Garden, but were taken out by the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-3. I’m sure the Rangers are hoping the crowd will help them to their first victory and a small measure of revenge.
The Bruins’ coach understands the sentiment. “It’s not an easy building to play in. I think we’ve had our fair share of tough games in that building before,” said Claude Julien on playing at Madison Square Garden.“We don’t anticipate it being any better. But nonetheless, this is an opportunity to go into the building and play the best New York team we’ve played so far with them being extremely desperate. It’ll be a real tough test tomorrow and we’ll be up for it.”