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This is the third meeting of five between the Bruins and the Florida Panthers. The B’s won the last game 4-1.
Back from Injury: Chris Kelly.
Sent down, (Providence): Ryan Spooner.
In Net: Tuukka Rask and Tim Thomas.
The Bruins got off to a good start in this game having the first six shots on net before Florida had any.
The first goal went to the Bruins when Jarome Iginla gained possession of the puck, left it for David Krejci at the line, then Krejci passed it back up to Iggy who made a shot on net. Thomas made the initial save but Milan Lucic (14) was there to bang home the rebound.
The B’s would get their second goal of the period shortly after their Power Play ended. David Krejci maintained control, passed to Torey Krug who quickly fed it to Zdeno Chara (13). Chara’s shot appeared to careen off of Milan Lucic then tumble past Thomas but was credited to Chara.
After 1 period; 2-0 B’s Shots: 19-8 Boston
The Bruins started the second period off much like the entire first, with good pressure and a goal. This time after several passes in the offensive zone, Matt Bartkowski threw a shot at the net that Thomas made the save on but could not find the rebound. Milan Lucic (16) doing his best “Shark” impersonation skated through the crease and banged in the loose puck.
The next B’s goal came on a double minor Power Play. After several passes within the offensive zone Carl Soderberg found Reilly Smith (18) all alone on the doorstep.
The Panthers would get on the board late in the second period when Center Nick Bjugstad found former Bruin Brad Boyes wide open for the one-timer.
After 2 periods; 4-1 B’s Shots: 12-10 Florida
The Bruins got off to a good start to the third period but Florida seemed to pressure harder than ever.
The Panthers would get on the board first in the third when Defenseman Dmitry Kulikov threw a wrister on net that beat Rask cleanly.
*Label this as “Dogged determination” but after receiving a touch pass from Gregory Campbell, Shawn Thornton (4) carried the puck into the offensive zone, fought off more than one defender and eventually fired off a Backhander that beat Thomas.
The B’s would get their sixth goal of the night when David Krejci (11) picked off Panthers Defenseman Dylan Olsen’s pass, then snapped off a wrist shot that went over the shoulder of the beleaguered Thomas.
6-2 B’s win. Shot Totals: 41-30 Boston
Next up for the Bruins is a Thursday night game against the Montreal Canadiens at Home. Go B’s!