Nov 29, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara (33) fights with New York Rangers center Brian Boyle (22) during the second period at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
The Bruins and the Rangers faced off for a Friday matinee in Boston. The B’s fresh off an embarrassing loss to the Red Wings, the Rangers with an impressive victory over the Panthers. The last meeting between the two teams the Bruins won 2-1, Danny Paille with the game winner.
The Bruins came out with much more energy than they had against Detroit. They had several scoring opportunities early, none better than Bergeron’s and Soderberg’s shots that Henrik Lundqvist made tremendous saves on.
The first goal went to the Bruins who were playing “Tic-Tac-Toe” with their passes before Brad Marchand (4) roofed his shot past Lundqvist. The next goal was for Rangers Rick Nash who fought for position in front of the net, then picked his spot. The next Rangers goal came off of a partial screen. Defenseman Ryan McDonagh threw a wrister on net that found its way past Rask.
End of 1st period, NY 2-1. Shots: 9-8 Boston
In the 2nd period both teams started off slowly. Within the first ten minutes however, the B’s had two solid scoring opportunities. If the Bruins had any luck at all they would have scored on either Kelly’s (missed the net) or Krug’s (hit the post) golden opportunities. The physical play increased as the game went along.
No scoring in the 2nd period. Shots: 18-15 Boston
The 3rd period started off well for the Bruins as they were the benefit of a pin-ball goal credited to Patrice Bergeron (7), set-up by Marchand who controlled the puck well in the offensive zone despite two Rangers trying to steal the puck. The next Bruins goal came from a Zdeno Chara (6) Slap shot that Lundqvist should have stopped.
Bruins win 3-2. Shots: 10-4 Boston
Bruins play Columbus next, a Saturday night game. Go B’s!