Boston Bruins hang on to defeat Minnesota in wild game in Boston

The younger generation of hockey players knows three things:  dangle, snipe, celly.  The cellys were on point last night in the TD Garden, as the Boston Bruins finally had something to celebrate about.

The Boston Bruins came into last night’s game against the Wild looking to get back into the win column after falling to the Caps on Saturday night.  Already missing key players, the Bruins sent out a lineup, that outside side of Bergeron and Pastrnak, you easily could wonder where the offense would come from.

Well, would you believe a Bruins lineup that was missing Marchand, Backes, Krejci among others would score 5 goals against a pretty good Minnesota squad?  I’ll answer that for ya, they did.  For the first 40 minutes, the Bruins played their best hockey this season since the opener against Nashville.  But in Bruins fashion, they had to hold on until the very end almost blowing another 3rd period lead.

1st Period

In the opening frame, the Bruins had some early chances, but nothing came of them.  The first goal of the game went to the Wild.  After a defensive breakdown by the Bruins leaving Nino Niederreiter all alone in front of of Rask, he slid a rebound by him on the backhand, giving the visitors an early 1-0.

However, the Bruins quickly rebounded, as a quick shot by Jake Debrusk from behind the goal line banked off a Minnesota defenseman and past goaltender Devan Dubnyk to tie the game at 1.  About two minutes later, a Frank Vatrano shot seemed to surprise Dubnyk.  The Wild goalie was beaten clean off a shot from outside the faceoff circle, which clanged off his short side post, off his pad, and then squeaked into the net for a 2-1 Bruins advantage after one period.

2nd Period

In the interest in continuing the momentum, the Bruins were looking for blood in the 2nd period.  The Bruins seized another opportunity on a great individual effort by Tim Schaller.  The do everything forward undressed a Minnesota defenseman, produced a low shot, where in the scramble Sean Kuraly fired the puck into the net, giving the Bruins a 3-1 lead.

Not slowing down, the Bruins scored again as a bullet of a shot by Torey Krug blew past Dubnyk.  The Bruins were in complete control at 4-1.  The period ended with the Bruins dominating the game and having a 3 goal advantage heading into the final frame.  However, as it’s widely known, the 3 goal lead is the worst lead in hockey.

3rd Period

The final period did not start off smoothly for the Bruins, as a terrible attempt at a quick breakout left the defense scrambling.  After a turnover, Mikael Granlund slammed home a one timer, cutting the Bruins lead to 2 goals.

As the period progressed the Bruins looked comfortable, but a huge error put the victory in doubt.  On a Bruins power play, they lost possession of the puck and Granlund was tripped down and awarded a critical penalty shot.  Luckily for the Bruins, Tuukka Rask stoned him with a big blocker save.

But with about four minutes left the Bruins lost focus again giving up another shorthanded breakaway opportunity.  Eric Staal was not tripped, and the veteran converted, cutting the lead to 1.  Minnesota pulled the goalie and after a couple of big stops by Rask, Tim Scahller hustled down the boards and scored on the empty net, securing the Bruins victory 5-3.

Next: Can someone squash the Bruins injury bug

Quick Shifts

• This was a huge and impressive effort for the Bruins.  Tt was a much needed win especially considering they are missing 3 of their best forwards.
• Another good performance from Rask.  He saved the Bruins in the third multiple times, highlighted by the penalty shot save, and when Minnesota had the extra attacker, Rask stood tall.
• Head coach Bruce Cassidy said that Krejci would be reevaluated on Monday before the road trip, so let’s hope he’ll be cleared for the trip.
• Also, hopefully Marchand’s injury isn’t to serious and he returns soon.
• The Bruins head to Madison Square Garden on Wednesday looking for their first winning streak of the season.