Dec 5, 2013; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Boston Bruins center Gregory Campbell (11) celebrates his goal against Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price (not pictured) with teammate left wing Milan Lucic (17) during the first period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
The Bruins, after a long layoff, squared off against the Canadiens in Montreal. Each team came out flying and each had an early scoring opportunity. With less than 5 minutes expired in the game, the rink went silent and every Bruins fan held their collective breath as Defenseman Johnny Boychuk lay prone on the ice. Boychuk had skated toward the corner of the Offensive zone when Montreal’s Max Pacioretty appeared to Cross-check Johnny in the back, driving him head first into the boards. Boychuk would be wheeled off the ice on a stretcher after it appeared he had difficulty breathing. I’m not a Doctor but it looked like a Concussion and potential rib/lung injury. He was taken to an area Hospital but said to be moving his extremities.
The first goal of the game went to the Bruins when the unlikely pair of Lucic and Campbell (2) connected, putting one past Carey Price.
Score after 1st: 1-0 B’s Shots; 10-3 B’s
*Two areas of concern. 1. Bruins outhit 11-4, 2. Poor at Face-offs; 20-6 Montreal
In the 2nd period Montreal came out fast, while the Bruins came out flat. Montreal tied the game on a Tomas Plekanec wrist shot from a strange angle. The physical play increased but the Bruins were still outhit in the period (14-9). The second Canadiens goal came late in the period and while Rask was out of position. The B’s did improve on Face-offs; 17-12 but were outdone in physical play and the score board.
Score after 2nd: 2-1 Montreal Shots; 18-7 Montreal
In the 3rd period the Bruins came out with a lot more energy, while the Canadiens looked tired. The B’s poured it on the Habs at times but Price was on top of his game. Not only did the Bruins lose the game to their most hated rival but they also slip into second place in the division.
Montreal 2-1. Shots; 16-6 Boston
Next up for the B’s is a Saturday night game against the Penguins at Home. In their last meeting the Bruins Won in O.T. 4-3 Go B’s!