Jan 13, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak (88) skates past the bench after scoring his second goal of the game during the third period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at TD Banknorth Garden. The Boston Bruins won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
After one of the most forgettable weeks in recent Bruins history, Boston has turned their play around to capture six out of a possible 8 points this week.
The Bruins’ week kicked off in Chicago last Sunday night. The Blackhawks have continued to be perennial Cup contenders for the better part of the last decade, so coming into the bout Boston was expected to be handily dealt with by the powerhouse. The shoe was on the other foot however, as the Bruins rolled straight through the Blackhawks coming up with a 6-2 victory. This surprise performance set the tone for the week, as the Bruins ended with a 3-1 record.
Third Star- Tuukka Rask
Different week, same story. The Bruins defensive lapses continue to hurt them, but luckily the defending Vezina winner has been able to bail them out more often than not. Rask did miss Friday’s game in New Jersey due to an illness and the Bruins ended up blowing a 2-0 lead in the third. They were able to weather the storm however, and came up with a 3-2 win. Rask is an invaluable member of the Bruins and if they expect a deep playoff run, expect Tuukka to see more door-duty than normal. The question is, will the defense be able to keep their heads above water without Rask behind them.
Second Star- Special Teams
Among the many things that Boston has done successfully this past week, special teams has been the most important. This was most prevalent Saturday night, as Chara returned to the point and his record-breaking slapshot reeked havoc once again. The Bruins are going back to their basics and doing the little things right which has resulted in great penalty-kills and power play opportunities. They may not be scoring every power play opportunity, but they are seeing more chances than they have previously. These gains must continue in order for the Bruins to make a playoff run. The potential addition of a top-six scorer would help the power play and allow for more finished opportunities. With trade deadline looming, the ball is in Peter Chiarelli’s court. The only question remaining is, will he find the player he needs for a fair price?
First Star- Bruins Youth
The future looks bright for the spoked-B. 18 year-old David Pastrnak and 23 year-old Ryan Spooner have made major contributions and have seemingly rejuvenated the Bruins, especially their new line-mate Milan Lucic. Lucic had seemingly grown too comfortable with center David Krejci, but with Krejci being placed on the DL for the remainder of the regular season, Lucic was put with some of the youngest players on the roster. The results were almost instant. With a newfound pep in his step Lucic and his line mates have been major contributors to the Bruins success. The new trio was responsible for 4 of the team’s 14 goals of the week, including Ryan Spooner’s first career goal, an OT game winner in New Jersey. The rejuvenation of the Bruins may be what gives them the final boost needed to make a run. If Boston is able to reel in another offensive weapon and a depth defenseman at the deadline, all the pieces may be falling into place for the 2015 Bruins.