The Canadiens fresh from an impressive win in Washington last night showed the intensity that was missing from their previous two games against Boston. However, Boston are simply too strong for their fierce rivals.
First Period:
A rather feisty beginning to the third encounter in just seven days. The shots matched 2-2 after seven minutes. Five hits a piece and the Bruins winning 75% of the four draws at this stage.
Brendan Gallagher seemed a little desperate to rile Patrice Bergeron before Brad Marchand stepped in his way. Great to see how close this top line is.
Boston tightened the screw soon after, testing Price from multiple angles. The Bruins have had this trait for quite sometime, they’re a little slow to get out of the gate.
David Backes grabbed the puck in midair before dropping it as his skates, attempted the backhand but was halted by Carey Price.
Max Pacioretty opened the scoring in the game after a sloppy turnover from McAvoy, Paul Byron would feed his captain the puck on a simple two-on-one. The Canadiens certainly seemed more potent in their attacks during the period. Showing some serious intensity and tempo. 1-0 Montreal.
A few goalmouth scrambles would ensue in front of Tuukka Rask but the Bruins held on.
With the Canadiens pressing firmly downo on the throttle, more space was opened in behind their defence allowing the Bruins to exploit.
The Boston Bruins would level the game on a freak goal from David Pastrnak, the puck going in off Price’s back foot from a ridiculous angle. 1-1.
The Bruins off a scrambled draw show their excellence at holding the puck in the opposition zone. Toying with the Canadiens as if it was like a training exercise. Torey Krug with a wicked shot over the shoulder of Carey Price gave Boston a 2-1 lead.
A fantastic response to going down one-nothing in this game, it was beginning to look like the Bruins would concede a couple. Bruce Cassidy rallied his troops and the Bruins turn this game on its head.
The Bruins headed back into the locker room with a 2-1 lead.
Shots were 23-17 in favour of Boston at the end of the second.
Third Period:
Boston would continue their pressure into the third as they look for their third goal.
The Habs still had their legs deep into the third which was surprising given how hard they played in Washington last night.
Jeff Petry then gifted the Bruins a PP with ten minutes left to play, careless in all honesty.
The Bruins thought they had their crucial third goal but the Patrice Bergeron’s effort was pulled back for offside. The game was still too close for the Bruins liking at 2-1 with 9:14 remaining in the third.
Boston began to feel the brunt of a Montreal offensive wave, the Bruins held strong and keeping their discipline which is great to see.
Phew. The Bruins finally put this game to bet with under three minutes remaining, David Pastrnak getting into the right places. Given a second bite of the cherry by Price tucked it away to make it 3-1. Making it Pastrnak’s 20th tally of the season.
Final Thoughts:
The Bruins have been miles ahead of the Montreal Canadiens. The Habs are a shadow of their former selfs.
You better start believing B’s fans, this team can produce something special in the postseason if it continues this form.
The Bruins now have points in 16 CONSECUTIVE GAMES. Over the last two months they have gone 21-3-4.
Boston will face a tough test against the New Jersey Devils, but again I’m confident they can come away with at least a point and continue the run.
Next: Boston Bruins: Merlot Line 2.0
Three Stars:
First Star- David Pastrnak: With two goals and an assist, Pasta had a near-perfect night. With eight on shots on Carey Price, Pasta had five more shots than David Backes with three. It almost goes without saying now but his was plus-two for the night.
Second Star- Tuukka Rask: Saving 24 of the 25 shots he faced, Tuukka kept Boston in the game when the tide appeared to be turning. A .960 sv%, Rask is well and truly back to his best following his blip at the start of the season.
Third Star- Torey Krug: Often critiqued by the Boston faithful, Krug had a fantastic night. Three points (1G, 2A) and a plus-two with a hit to measure. Krug soaked up 16:28 in behind the Master & Apprentice duo of Chara and McAvoy.