Boston Bruins: Last Skate Of The Day, March 8, 2014

Mar 8, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Boston Bruins right wing

(18)is congratulated by defenseman

(55) after scoring the game winning goal during the shootout against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Tampa Bay Times Forum. The Bruins won 4-3 in an overtime shootout. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Tonight’s game between the Boston Bruins and the Tampa Bay Lightning was another example of Jekyll and Hyde hockey for the Black and Gold. The Lightning got the first nine shots on goal of the night, and the first half of the game looked more like Tampa Bay vs Tuukka then Tampa vs Boston. Somehow, the Bruins fought their way back and were able to tie it up 3-3 before the end of regulation. Overtime could not resolve the matter, and it went to a shootout. While Tuukka Rask has no love for the shootout, he took on all comers and kept stuffing the Lightning until Reilly Smith scored the goal in the seventh round that led to the Bruins win.  Here’s the breakdown of the B’s win straight from the source (Boston Bruins)

Here’s how Tampa Bay saw the game unfold for them. Regardless of the win, it was great to see Steven Stamkos on the ice again. Whatever team you route for, he’s a player (like Patrice Bergeron) that transcends team and is on the most positive faces in hockey we’ve seen. (Tampa Bay Lightning)

The Lightning was eagerly waiting for the return of Steven Stamkos, and they waited just long enough to give up their captain Martin St. Louis in a trade to the Rangers for Ryan Callahan. The folks over at NBC take a look at how the Lightning’s wait paid off and wonder how good of a team they would be without their former captain. (Pro Hockey Talk)

That gives the Bruins a ten point lead over their nearest rivals (their biggest rivals), the Montreal Canadiens. The Habs also have played two more games for Boston. The Bruins are still one point behind the Pittsburgh Penguins in the race to lead the Eastern Conference.

Here is a look at the game from a less biased source, the (Associated Press).

The Bruins next game will be tomorrow night against the Florida Panthers. This time around, we’ll all get to chant Lu-on-go as the new #1 goaltender for the Panthers takes his first crack at Boston with his new team. Roberto Luongo blanked the Buffalo Sabres in their last game (but, it is the Sabres) and looks ready to repeat on that success. (Florida Panthers)