Boston Bruins Play Strong and Shutout The Penguins In First Of Two Consecutive Games
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The Boston Bruins continued their streak of hot play on Wednesday when they shutout the Pittsburgh Penguins at home with a score of 3-0. The two teams are set to play a home-and-home set, and the Bruins absolutely dominated the game played in their home arena. The first goal of the game came from a Maxime Talbot snipe that was all made possible by a huge check by Jimmy Hayes that set up the play. Adam McQuaid assisted on the goal as well, which now gives him five assists in 30 games this season.
The Bruins second goal was the result of a pass by Colin Miller which led to Ryan Spooner lobbing a shot on net which was deflected in front by Jimmy Hayes.
The goal was challenged by the Penguins for goaltender interference, but Hayes was very clearly nowhere near Jeff Zatkoff, and the goal was ultimately confirmed with the Penguins losing their timeout only four minutes into the second period. Jimmy Hayes was in need of a goal to break his 15-game goalless drought, and hopefully this will help build more confidence for the 6-foot-6 right winger moving forward.
The Bruins third goal was a power play, empty-net goal scored by Ryan Spooner with assists from Patrice Bergeron and Loui Eriksson.
Ryan Spooner has elevated his game as of late with three goals and three assists in his last five games. Spooner has taken at least two shots on net in each of those five games, with four shots coming against the Florida Panthers; a game in which he scored two goals.
Puck Prose
Tuukka Rask made 34 saves on the night and recorded his fourth shoutout of the season, which is tied for first in the league. The Bruins netminder has been incredibly hot as of late, allowing only six goals in his last six games including two shutouts. Over that time span, Rask has posted a 1.00 Goals Against Average and a 0.965 save percentage; statistics that are absolutely indicative of the former-Vezina trophy winning goalie that fans of the Boston Bruins have grown to know and love. With a rejuvenated goaltender, a penalty kill that has killed off 58 of it’s last 61 penalties — which equates to 95% — a strong power play, and defenders that are gaining experience with each day, the Bruins have a chance to really make a statement in the Eastern Conference standings. The Bruins are currently in second place in the Atlantic Division with 38 points, just five points shy of the division-leading Montreal Canadiens, although the Bruins also have two games-in-hand that they can work with.
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