The Boston Bruins are making a case for another serious playoff run. They’ve shaken off the Jekyll-and-Hyde style of hockey (for the most part), and have gone 7-2-1 in their last 10 games. They are in a three-way tie for second in the Atlantic, and are nudging out the Detroit Red Wings for the final Atlantic Division playoff spot.
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Still, the Bruins do seem to like to court failure. The Bruins find themselves taking the foot off the gas in the final period, and that has led to the B’s being unable to finish their last three games outside of regulation. While some people see this as a recipe for disaster, the players think it’s a great way to stay motivated.
“I think if anything, it helps us,” said winger Brad Marchand, who has been white-hot as of late, putting in nine goals in his last nine games. “The one-goal games are more of a playoff style and playoff feel, so if we can learn how to win games like that now, it’s only going to help us going down the road and that’s the kind of hockey we want to play. We want to be in those 2-1 games, 3-2 games, not the blowout games. That’s not our style, and we take pride in low-scoring games.”
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There is more encouraging news coming out of the TD Garden. Bruins blueliner Adam McQuaid could be ready to be back on the ice sometime in the next ten days(if not tomorrow night). David Pastrnak is looking good since coming back from his rehab stint in the AHL. He’s put up three points in the last three games, and is getting back into a top-six groove with the Bruins.
“There’s nights where he’s really good,” offered Bruins bench boss Claude Julien of Pastrnak’s recent work. “And I thought (Saturday night) was a game where he was really good, and I felt very confident in putting him late in a game. It’s part of the development of a young guy. When he’s capable, you let him do it, and when he’s not having maybe the best night in that area, you think of the team first and you work that way. It’s worked well for (Ryan) Spooner, and we’re hoping it’s going to work well for Pastrnak.”
Coach Julien has also has been liking Morrow’s game of late. A lot has been asked of him this season, and while he still has some tentative games(and the occasional mess), he’s coming along well for the Black and Gold this season.
“(Morrow was) good (Saturday night),” the coach said. “I think with Morrow, every time he’s come in our lineup. he’s played really well. So for me, it was almost like I felt very confident that he was going to play well because he’s always done that. Now it’s (time) to build some consistency. If he gives us those kinds of games every night, it’s pretty hard to keep him out.”
The Bruins have earned five out of six points in their last three games, and now they want to add two more before they head back out on the road. To do that, they’ll have to beat fan favorite and former teammate Milan Lucic as he and the Los Angeles Kings come to the TD Garden tomorrow night.