Boston Bruins Showed They Have Ability For Playoff Run
Last night the Boston Bruins defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 1-0 in OT behind Brad Marchand’s 34th goal of the season. The Bruins were given stellar work between the pipes from back-up goaltender Jonas Gustavsson who recorded 42 saves in what was a true must win game for first place in the Eastern Conference.
The Bruins in the last week have defeated three teams that if the playoffs started today would qualify. Prior to this week the Bruins had only defeated 4 playoff eligible teams in the last 80 days. So what changed?
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The Bruins made two minor moves at the deadline that sparked this team to go 4-0-1 since the deadline. The acquisition of John-Michael Liles and Lee Stempniak have added much needed boost of energy into this Bruins team. A team that has lacked defensive presence for much of the season now has a veteran defenseman in Liles who can hold his own on defense along with the ability to pass the puck out to get a breakaway opportunity.
Lee Stempniak, the other trade deadline pick up has fit perfectly onto the Bergeron Marchand line like he was there the whole time.
"“I think with the two teams that we played, they’re both great teams. Back-to-back, with some travel, it just shows that we have a lot of character in our room, and guys are learning to win these big games.That’s what you need to do down the stretch, and the two additions (winger Lee Stempniak and defenseman John-Michael Liles) are helping us a lot right now. So, we’re playing well, and we want to continue to play this way in the next number of games.” – Brad Marchand"
In the last three games the Bruins have defeated the Chicago Blackhawks, Florida Panthers, and the Tampa Bay Lightning. This post deadline surge and the will to win that has been on display since the deadline has given this team a new life. With the win over the Lightning last night the Bruins moved into a tie of first place in the eastern conference with the Lightning. 14 games to go in the regular season and this Bruins team is firing on all cylinders, there is only one direction to go from here for this team and that is a deep playoff run.
Next: Boston Bruins Tied For First In Atlantic Division
This is a team that not to long ago was thought off as a borderline playoff team, even as early as two weeks ago. But today two weeks later the Boston Bruins have the pieces and the veteran leadership to win a championship. Only time will tell if they can compete for the Stanley Cup, but it will be a fun ride up to that point.