Boston Bruins 3 Stars of the Week

Mar 5, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Brad Marchand (63) reacts after scoring a goal during the first period against the Calgary Flames at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

This past week was a pivotal one for the Boston Bruins. With the playoff race in full-swing and the Black and Gold barely hanging onto the last playoff berth, they were able to capture points in all of their three games. While they kicked the week off with a disappointing shootout loss to the young Calgary Flames, things continued to look bleak in the closing minutes of Saturday’s matinee against the Philadelphia Flyers. That is until Brad Marchand put on a display of late game heroics not seen by a Bruin since Rick Middleton in 1984 when he scored the game-tying and eventually the game-winner in overtime. This momentum carried over to Sunday where Boston dominated Detroit 5-3.

The Bruins gained a lot of momentum this past week and need the full head-of-steam heading into three critical match-ups this week. With all three teams in a playoff position or in the race, this stretch could be the hardest of the season.

Third Star- Daniel Paille

Paille has been in the midst of one of the worst seasons in his career. Luckily for the Bruins, he conquered his scoring struggles scoring two goals this past week. These points come on top of consistent play including crucial penalty kills. Paille became a critical member of the lineup when Gregory Campbell went down with an injury early last week. Paille stepped up and led the fourth line to constant hockey that kept the Bruins in contention when other lines failed. Being mentioned in trade rumors has seemingly put a little fire in the heart of number 20, who must continue to lead the Bruins’ youth by example.

Second Star- Tuukka Rask

Different week, same story. Tukka does not need much of an explanation. He continues to be a Vezina-caliber goalie who stands on his head to keep the Bruins in games that they sometimes have no business being in. Thankfully Rask got a rest Sunday afternoon as Niklas Svedberg became the backup that the Bruins had been hoping for with his 36 save performance. Goaltending will continue to be invaluable in the Bruins quest for a playoff run. With an average defense Tuukka and Svedberg must continue their high level of play if the Bruins want to hold on to their eighth seed, or possibly even advance their position.

First Star- Brad Marchand

No surprise here, Marchand has unquestionably been the best player to wear the Spoked-B of late. Between his clutch performance against the Flyers and his two other goals against Detroit and Calgary, he continues to come up with goals whenever the Bruins need it. The little ball of hate can seemingly move the puck at will and continues to create scoring opportunities for him and his teammates. With his 20th goal of the season recently finding twine, he is the leading goal scorer for Boston and must continue to be if the Bruins want to be considered a threat. With so many ifs for the Bruins, Marchand and the Bruins offense is unquestionably one of the top two keys for a playoff run, next to great goaltending. The fiery attitude Marchand bring to the locker-room is proving to be an invaluable asset to the Black and Gold. This attitude makes his teammates want to win, he gets under opponent’s skin and forces mistakes. Remember 2011? Marchand agitated the Canucks to the point of unfiltered fury, if he repeat this come playoff time who knows, maybe Boston can follow in the footsteps of the 2012 Kings.