Bruins, Chad Johnson outshine the Stars
By Willy
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
This is the second and final game between the Bruins and the Dallas Stars. The Stars took the first game 3-2 in a shootout.
Out: Dougie Hamilton (Minor Concussion).
In Net: Chad Johnson and Kari Lehtonen.
The Bruins got off to a slow start to the game, with Dallas getting the first three shots before the B’s got one. Gregory Campbell should have had a goal but it was reversed because they felt there was a distinct kicking motion. The B’s did get a Power Play out of it but only managed one shot.
After 1 period; 0-0 Shots: 11-6 Dallas
The Bruins started the second period off very aggressively despite having to kill a penalty.
The Merlot line had the greatest scoring opportunities of all Bruins lines throughout the period.
*Scary moment when Zdeno Chara’s stick found it’s way in between the protective cage and into the eye area of Chad Johnson. Thankfully he was able to continue.
The B’s would finally get on the board when Matt Bartkowski would gain the offensive zone, fire off a backhander that would get blocked by Dallas Defenseman Alex Goligoski, who then pushed the puck into the corner of the zone. Milan Lucic was the first player to the puck and he preceded to set-up a wide open David Krejci (10) for the half-slapper that beat Lehtonen.
After 2 periods; 1-0 B’s Shots: 18-12 Boston
The third period was barely underway when Torey Krug would get penalized for a flagrant Tripping. The goal happened on a freak play of sorts. Tyler Seguin threw the puck near the net and it deflected off of Left winger Erik Cole’s stick and past Johnson, tying the game at one.
The Bruins would take the lead back when Patrice Bergeron laid a hit on Erik Cole along the boards, the puck came free to Brad Marchand (12) who after two whacks of the puck was able to squeak it past Lehtonen.
The B’s would extend their lead to two goals after Milan Lucic (13) would redirect a David Krejci half pass, half shot from the blue line while on the Power Play.
The Stars would bring the game within one again after pulling their goaltender, getting the extra attacker and then crashing the net. Dallas Center Jamie Benn was credited with the goal.
With the net once again vacated for the extra attacker, the Bruins were able to get their fourth goal on the night, scored by Patrice Bergeron (12).
*This was by far the best game Chad Johnson has played as a Bruin. He stood tall, moved well and anticipated perfectly.
4-2 Bruins win. Shot totals: 41-34 Boston
Next up for the Bruins is a Sunday matinee (12:30P.M.) against the Chicago Black Hawks. Go B’s!