Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The Bruins are on their west coast swing, first up the Anaheim Ducks. The last time these two teams met was in Boston on October 31st, the B’s won 3-2 in a Shootout. In their last 10 games the Ducks have been the superior team going 9-1-0 to the B’s 6-4-0.
Unexplained Absence: Milan Lucic
In Net: Tuukka Rask and Jonas Hiller.
The Bruins came out strong, getting the first couple of scoring opportunities. They were so aggressive in both ends of the ice that it took Anaheim over sixteen minutes to register their second shot on net.
If not for Jonas Hiller the Bruins would have had two goals in the first period. Hiller made unbelievable saves against both Bergeron (early) and Marchand (late), both with his glove.
*This was one of the best periods of hockey the B’s have played all season.
After 1 period; 0-0 Shots: 16-3 Boston
The second period started off well at first but then fell apart for the Bruins.
First on the scoreboard was Anaheim when Center Mathieu Perreault scored on the Power Play.
The next Anaheim goal also came on the Power Play when talented Winger Corey Perry wristed a rebound shot past Rask.
Adding insult to injury the B’s gave up a Short-handed goal when Reilly Smith was playing defense, tried to force a soft backhanded pass to Dougie Hamilton, allowing two Ducks to skate in on goal. Ducks Center Andrew Cogliano notched the shorty.
The B’s would finally got on the board when recent call up Justin Florek carried the puck into the zone, made a beautiful pass to a streaking Danny Paille (7) who chipped a backhander past Hiller.
After 2 periods; 3-1 Ducks Shots: 9-7 Anaheim
The third period started off sloppy for the Bruins but after settling down a bit they managed to get another goal. Dougie Hamilton (4) ripped home a wrist shot from in close while Jarome Iginla lay prone in the goal mouth and Carl Soderberg up against the post (both forwards received Assists on the play).
The B’s had a chance on the Power Play when Brad Marchand took a stupid penalty for Interference, negating the man advantage. The Ducks would add to their lead with another Power Play goal, no thanks to Marchand. Center Nick Bonino was the goal scorer.
As if the Ducks hadn’t scored enough, Mathieu Perreault decided to notch another when he fired a laser over Rask.
5-2 Ducks. Shot totals: 32-20 Boston
Next up for the Bruins a Thursday night (10:30pm) game against the L.A. Kings. Go B’s!