Bruins’ Team Effort Has Ignited 10-Game Win Streak
Mar 18, 2014; Newark, NJ, USA; The Boston Bruins congratulate Boston Bruins goalie Chad Johnson (30) on his 4-2 win over the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Bruins Not a One-Man Show
As the Boston Bruins continue to overwhelm their opposition in both ends of the ice, it can be easy to point out Jarome Iginla or the other Bruins’ star players when seeking the fuel behind the B’s 10-game winning run.
It’s actually the team as a whole–from the first line to the third line–that has driven the Bruins to victory in their past ten competitions.
While the defense has been very stout, the most evident aspect of the Bruins’ incredible win streak has been the superb offensive ability demonstrated by such a wide variety of players.
Rapid Fire: Bruins’ Skaters Contributing to Streak
On Mar. 2nd against the New York Rangers, Gregory Campbell, identified as purely a grinder, buried two goals in a 6-3 conquering of Alain Vigneault’s squad.
In the 3-0 defeat of the Washington Capitals on Mar. 6, Campell put home another goal assisted by Patrice Bergeron and young defender Matt Bartkowski. Loui Eriksson, who had scored only once since December, provided the B’s with a 2-0 game-sealing lead.
Johnny Boychuk tied the Tampa Bay Lightning contest at 3-3 in the third period. Boychuk hadn’t netted a shot since early January.
Zdeno Chara scored an unassisted wrist shot from the blue line to help the B’s edge the Phoenix Coyotes 2-1 at the Garden.
Torey Krug, known as a defensive specialist on the power play, scored against the Carolina Hurricanes to surpass Bobby Orr in defenseman goals for a Bruins’ rookie.
Carl Soderberg has made a huge impact, too; Reilly Smith ended his goal scoring drought against the Minnesota Wild two days ago. Andrej Meszaros has already notched his first goal.
The list rolls on and on.
These achievements, however, include only offensive performances. The B’s defense has definitely been great, allowing three goals in a game at most. You still have to assume that the playoffs will bring forth more determined forwards eager to knock off the high-achieving Black and Gold.
In that vein, can the young D-men hold up even when the offense isn’t completely in sync as it stands currently?
In the past, shaky bouts of defense plagued Boston in the playoffs. This year could be examined differently if this win streak extends past the 10-game stretch developed by the 2011 Stanley Cup champion Bruins.
Gear up for some compelling hockey ahead.