Jan 29, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask (40) makes a save against New Jersey Devils defenseman Marek Zidlicky (2) during a shootout following overtime at at TD Garden. With the save the Bruins won the game. Mandatory Credit: Michael Ivins-USA TODAY Sports
The Bruins pulled it out again, bringing their record to 5-0-1, and they remain undefeated at home. In one of those insane moments that can only happen in sports, a tossed hot dog almost made the difference between one point and two for the Bruins. Thankfully, the team pulled together and a shootout goal by Brad Marchand and some incredible crease policing by Tuukka Rask gave the Bruins a 2-1 win.
January 29th, 2013 – Boston Bruins vs New Jersey Devils (Boston @ Home)
Final Score: Boston Bruins 2 – New Jersey Devils 1 (SO)
Three Stars of the Game: 3rd: Nathan Horton , 2nd: David Clarkson (NJ) , 1st: Tuukka Rask
Causeway Crowd’s Three Stars of the Game:
Third Star: Nathan Horton. Nathan Horton was our clutch man in 2011. He gave us two game seven victories and his sniper’s aim kept us competitive for the majority of the last few seasons. We were all worried if the old #18 would be back to form and from what we all have been seeing. It’s great to have you back Horty! “You’re down a goal, you’re down two goals, it doesn’t matter you just work hard and fight back.” said Horton after the game. “That’s the kind of team we are and the kind of guys we are on our team.” (From Matt) “Nathan Horton has started this season very strong. Him along with his line mates Lucic, and Krejci have been one of the hottest in the league so far. Horton scored the game tying goal last night that got the Bruins into overtime. It’s a great sign for the Bruins that Horton and this line are off to a great start.”
Second Star: David Krejci. Sometimes I don’t think Bruins Nation gives this man enough credit. He was the player that had a lot of trade rumors circulating about him. That kind of talk can be a very large distraction. #46 has juts ignored it all, and played with a passion leading the strongest line in one of the strongest teams in professional hockey. (From Matt) “Krejci stayed hot and got another assist on the Horton goal. He is playing well with his line mates and creating chances, this is a very good sign for the Bruins for the season as he, Horton and Lucic have started off sizzling hot.”
First Star: Tuukka Rask. (From Matt)”After getting the night off against Carolina, Tuukka was well rested and ready to go in this game. Rask stopped 25 out of 26 shots, and was almost flawless in the shootout. Tuukka has proved he is up to the task in replacing Tim Thomas and has showed it thus far.” (From Billy) “Rask stood on his head more than a few times. As usual between the b’s and devils it came down to a goalie duel. Rask was able to make just a few more saves than Johan Hedberg.” Tuukka had to make up for a lot of sloppy playing by the B’s in the second period. Although the penalty kill streak stopped at twenty four, the Flying Finn made it bloody difficult for the Devils to capitalize on Boston errors. His aggressive out of the crease play in the shootout stole the thunder from Hedberg and the Devils in the end.
The Bruins will continue to take on all comers from the top of the Northeast Division and the Eastern Conference. The B’s next game will be tonight, at the TD Garden. They will be squaring off against division rivals, the Buffalo Sabres. Now we will get to see if the re-vamped offense of Buffalo will finally start paying dividends. More than likely, the Bruins will just make another notch on their sticks over this one.