Another week has gone by Bruins Nation, and the our Black and Gold Boston Bruins played three games. They went 2-1-0 (although they should have won them all), and the Bruins are tied for second in the Atlantic Division. The Bruins pulled out a surprise win against San Jose, and had a last second collapse against the Devils that reminded us all a little too much of Game six in last year’s Stanley Cup Final.
Causeway Crowd’s Three Stars of the Week:
Oct 23, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman
John Scott(32) and Boston Bruins defenseman
Adam McQuaid(54) fight during the third period at First Niagara Center. Bruins beat the Sabres 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Honorable Mention: Adam McQuaid – Adam McQuaid earned this by having three good games. Granted, he did only put up one point. He earned an assist during the San Jose game. It was his shot that got to Krejci’s stick that gave us the 2-1 win. He also earned this mention by being the amazing lunatic that made a beeline for John Scott after the hit on Loui Eriksson. McQuaid showed equal parts bravery and madness by engaging the biggest goon in the NHL and earning a takedown in that fight.
Oct 23, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman
Torey Krug(47) during the game against the Buffalo Sabres at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Third Star: Torey Krug. Save for that high sticking penalty that lost the Devils game for the Bruins, Krug had a great week for Boston. He had three goals, two of them on the power play. He has played consistent aggressive two-way hockey, and he has been rewarded for it with more playing time. At the beginning of the season, it looked like he was going to be part of the rotating D that was going to watch the game from the press box. Krug has removed himself from that consideration, and he looks to be a permanent fixture in the Bruins three lines.
Oct 26, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins goalie
Tuukka Rask(40) makes a save during the third period against the New Jersey Devils at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Second Star: Tuukka Rask. Rask was excellent in the Devils game, and bloody outstanding in the other two. The loss against the Devils was no fault of Tuukka’s, and he kept the Bruins in the running through the entire length of the San Jose Sharks game. Rask is now 6-3-0. While the win/loss record doesn’t look that impressive, the rest of his numbers are elite. He’s currently holding on to a 1.56 goals against average, and a staggering .947 save percentage. In a league where .930 will get you the Vezina, Rask is making a strong case to be in the finals with fellow Finnish goalie Antti Niemi.
Oct 23, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Boston Bruins left wing
Milan Lucic(17) during the game against the Buffalo Sabres at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
First Star: Milan Lucic. Some of us were expecting to see more Looch the Gooch this early in the season, but what we’ve been treated to is Lucic the superstar. Three goals, five points, a +/- of +5 and a 28.6% shot percentage. We were expecting a better year out of # 17 this year, and he has rewarded out patience by being everywhere he has been needed. He’s currently first in goals on the team, and only one point behind David Krejci for the best overall score. He still the big intimidating presence up front, he’s still great on the forecheck, and how thrilled can we be that Jarome Iginla and him are working this well together. The Bruins first line is holding up better than expected thanks to the firepower of their members, and Lucic is leading the way for Boston.