Jan 2, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins goalie Niklas Svedberg (72) makes a save during the second period against the Nashville Predators at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
The last time these two teams met the Bruins won 6-2. The B’s are coming off of two bad loses in a row, so they need to stop the skid tonight.
In Net: Niklas Svedberg (NHL Debut) and Marek Mazanec.
Back from Injury: Dougie Hamilton and Carl Soderberg.
The game started fairly evenly with few legitimate scoring opportunities. The B’s having the better looking Power Play to the Predators but neither team scored on their man advantage.
After 1 period; 0-0 Shots: 11-8 Boston
The second period started like the first, with few real scoring opportunities for either team. Considering how many goals the B’s have given up in their last two games (9), I for one will take the more defensive approach as we patiently wait for a Bruins goal.
The Predators got the first goal when the B’s failed to make a timely line change. Also one of the two defensemen were out of position, allowing Nashville’s Winger Viktor Stalberg to score off of a Svedberg rebound.
After 2 periods; 1-0 Shots: 16-3 Predators
The third period started with the B’s on the Power Play but couldn’t make anything happen.
The first Bruins goal went to Johnny Boychuk (2) who was set-up by Ryan Spooner in the slot, then fired an absolute laser of a wrist shot over the shoulder of Mazanec to tie the game at one.
The B’s would take the lead when David Krejci intercepted a Nashville pass, leaving the puck for Milan Lucic who skated into the zone then forced a hard pass toward the net that Jarome Iginla (13) tipped in prior to crashing into the net himself.
Minutes later the Predators would tie things up again when Defenseman Shea Weber fired a slap shot that broke through Svedberg and into the net. I’m sure the Bruins goalie would like to have that goal back but Weber can fire the puck with the best of them.
After 3 periods; 2-2 Shots 11-10 Predators
This game would be forced to Overtime but it didn’t take long for the Bruins to get the extra point. Patrice Bergeron would skate the puck past the red line, dish the puck to Brad Marchand (10) who snapped off a wrist shot, five-hole, for the game winner.
3-2 Bruins win. Shot totals: 35-25 Nashville
Next up for the B’s a Saturday matinee game (1 P.M.) against the Winnipeg Jets. Go B’s!