Dec 23, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators left wing Eric Nystrom (24) fights with Boston Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid (54) during the first period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports
The Nashville Predators came into this game just 3-5-2 in their last 10 games and 16-16-4 on the season.
In nets: Tuukka Rask and Carter Hutton.
The game started slowly for the B’s but it didn’t take long for them to get on the score board. The top line gained possession in the offensive zone, then Zdeno Chara threw a wrist shot toward the net that a waiting Jarome Iginla (9) tipped past Hutton for the early lead.
*Heavy weight bought of the evening was between Adam Mcquaid (who just returned from injury) and Nashville Winger Eric Nystrom. Each player landed several hard blows.
The next Bruins goal fell under the odd variety. Carl Soderberg fired the puck into the corner, close to the net, yet Hutton never moved. Matt Fraser (1) skated right at the opposing goalie completely unmolested, fired a laser over the shoulder of Hutton for his first goal as a Bruin.
*Goaltender change, Marek Mazanec in for Hutton.
The next B’s goal came via a Power Play. With Predators Defenseman Seth Jones out for Hooking, Bruins Reilly Smith (12) made them pay, set-up nicely by Carl Soderberg.
After 1 period; 3-0 B’s Shots: 11-10 Nashville
In the second period the Predators would finally get on the board when they were the beneficiary of a lame duck penalty call against Bergeron (Hooking). Rask would make the initial save off of Defenseman Ryan Ellis but couldn’t contain the rebound that went right to Craig Smith who pushed it in for a Power Play goal.
After 2 periods; 3-1 B’s Shots: 14-11 Boston
In the third period Predators Craig Smith scored his second goal of the game, bringing his team within one.
Shortly after Nashville scored they picked up a Penalty for “Too many men on the ice”. While the Bruins were on the Power Play, Predators Paul Gaustad was tagged for Cross-Checking Torey Krug into the boards, giving the B’s a 5 on 3. The Bruins set-up, then David Krejci saucered a pass into the crease, that Jarome Iginla (10) tipped home.
Still on the Power Play, Ryan Spooner used his speed to drive up to and behind the net, then slid a pass right to Carl Soderberg (5) for the second Power Play goal of the period, reestablishing their three goal lead.
The scoring wouldn’t end there. Reilly Smith used his speed to race up the right side of the rink on a 2 on 1 than fed Brad Marchand (8) for the B’s sixth goal.
6-2 Boston wins. Shots total: 34-33 Nashville
Next up for the Bruins is a Friday night game against the Ottawa Senators. Happy Holidays Everyone and Go B’s!