Boston Bruins: David Krejci, Reilly Smith shine in 3-2 shootout win.

Oct 15, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Boston Bruins center David Krejci (46) receives congratulations from teammates after scoring a shootout goal against the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena. Boston won 3-2 in an overtime shootout. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Reilly Smith took on a ride on the David Krejci train tonight as those two Bruins provided all the goals for Boston tonight. Both players scored in regulation, and they scored again on Jimmy Howard in the shootout to give the Boston Bruins a 3-2 shootout win over the Detroit Red Wings.

The Bruins played their brand of hockey tonight, and played their best game of the season so far tonight. The Bruins used their legs more than they have at anytime this far this season. The Bruins had better breakouts than they usually have. They were better with penalty control (although the refs were doing their best to counteract that) this game. They made Jimmy Howard work tonight, and really work to keep the Red Wings in this game. The Bruins had thirty nine shots on goal tonight, and they maintained consistent pressure against a young and fast squad.

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David Krejci earned his First Star of the Night Honors. He was everywhere the Bruins needed him tonight, and he made very few mistakes. He had three shots on net, two hits, one blocked shots,and spent 6:20 of his 23:39 on special teams for the Black and Gold. Krejci has added a physical dimension to his gameIt looks as if the Czech forward and alternate captain has shaken off the rust and is ready to play full time NHL hockey.

Reilly Smith should have earned Third Star honors for his performance. He had four shots, one hit, and finished the game with a +1. Smith is already playing for his contract next season, and he’s another bright spot for the Bruins season so far.

At one point Bruins assistant coach Doug Houda was hit by an errant puck, forcing him to go off for repairs. The coach (and former player for the Red Wings) headed back for stitches laughing about the incident. He almost got clocked again by Reilly Smith in the third period.

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Simon Gagne almost won the game for the B’s near the end of the third period and once again in overtime. There were some doubts among the fans of putting in a player who hasn’t played in a year in a half was a good idea. Gagne played well, and added more shots for the Bruins. If Howard not had such an exceptional night, Gagne would have scored tonight.

Chris Kelly led all B’s with five shots on goal (tied with Brad Marchand) and three hits. Kelly is also playing on another level then we’re used to seeing and it’s certainly a welcome change. Marchand was getting off some quality shots for the Bruins and has maintained his feistiness without crossing the line into penalty worthy offenses.

The Bruins (2-3-0) will now be heading over to Montreal to build on this success as they take on their arch-rival, the Canadiens.