Boston Bruins Causeway gameday! Blakey and the Jets
The Boston Bruins are one of the hottest teams in hockey, and the NHL is finally taking notice. Coming off two impressive performances, the Bruins face a surprisingly strong opponent in Winnipeg.
It took well over 30 games into the NHL season, but the Boston Bruins have rounded into form. NHL.com has finally recognized it (despite the Bruins being 11-3-1 in their last 15 games), and the Bruins are now in the NHL’s Super 16 teams. After not being ranked yet this season, the Bruins are 13th on the most recent list.
There’s not much to write about last game. The Bruins shutout the lowly Buffalo Sabres in a 3-0 game. That score is deceiving however, as two of the Bruins goals were of the empty net variety. So when it boils down to it, the Bruins really only scored one legit goal against the Sabres. Not exactly inspired work. But Anton Khudobin held strong, and kept Buffalo off the board for his first shutout of the season.
The Bruins, now firmly entrenched in the 3rd position in the Atlantic Division at 17-10-5 (39 points) return home today to take on the Winnipeg Jets. The Jets, like the Bruins, sit 3rd in the incredibly tough Central Division, with a record of 20-10-5 (45 points).
More from Causeway Crowd
- Harrison, Toporowski shine in Prospects Challenge
- Obscure former Boston Bruins: Steven Kampfer
- Bruins release Prospects Challenge roster, schedule Tuesday
- Bruins release full “Historic 100” list ahead of season
- McAvoy, Lucic named to “Historic 100” list over the weekend
The likes of Patrik Laine, Mark Scheifele, Nikolaj Ehlers, and former Bruin Blake Wheeler have turned Winnipeg into an offensive juggernaut. The Jets score 3.37 goals per game, and have the 3rd ranked power play in the NHL at 25.2%.
Schedule
The Bruins are finally back to normal gametime, and puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 pm at the TD Garden in Boston, MA. The game will be on NESN and 98.5 The Sports Hub.
What to watch for
Well, the Bruins may be incredibly shorthanded tonight. David Krejci remains out with his upper body injury. Missing from the morning skate were Brad Marchand, Ryan Spooner, and Riley Nash, all of whom were sick. They are gametime decisions. If I’m Kenny Agostino, Jordan Szwarz, and Austin Czarnik, I’d have my bags packed in case of an emergency call up.
Adam McQuaid also remains out, with a possible return on Saturday. I never thought I’d be disappointed with McQuaid’s return, but Matt Grzelcyk has played incredibly well, certainly making a case to stay in the lineup. He beat out NHL veteran Paul Postma for the spot, and continues his solid play at both ends.
Next: Charlie McAvoy: Making a Name for Himself in Boston
It’s Charlie McAvoy’s 20th birthday today. Yep, the guy that everyone in Boston would want to buy a beer for as he quickly makes a name for himself in a Bruins uniform couldn’t even drink it. Can you fathom that? What can’t this kid do?