Boston Bruins Week 17: Will They Ever Lose in Regulation?
Another two games for the Boston Bruins is another two games added to the point streak. If you lost count, the point streak is currently at 18 games, and the Bruins are 2nd in the Atlantic Division.
It is truly a remarkable streak as in those 18 games, the Boston Bruins won 14 of them. The Bruins have quickly transformed the team into a serious Stanley Cup Contender and the point streak confirms that point. They have beaten plenty of top tier teams and every player has contributed and helped the team.
But it was not all good news this week, as the Bruins have lost arguably their two best players. First, the team announced that stud rookie defensemen Charlie McAvoy would miss around two weeks, with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). He had a procedure to treat an abnormal heart rate at Massachusetts General Hospital to treat the issue. The issue is not considered serious, but can reoccur at any time. We all wish Charlie a quick recovery and hope his heart and his overall health will remain in great condition.
Along with McAvoy’s injury, the Bruins also lost Brad Marchand for 5 games after he was suspended for elbowing New Jersey Devils forward Marcus Johansson, late in Tuesday’s victory. It was an incredibly stupid play by Marchand and with his reputation, the next hit like that could result in 7-10 game suspension. Also, Marchand is such a great overall player, that he doesn’t need to make these dumb hits that hurt not only himself, but the team as well.
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On to the games at hand, the Bruins only had 2 games this week, one in Boston, before a quick trip up to Ottawa before the All-Star Break.
Game 1: New Jersey Devils
Looking to extend their 16 game point streak, the Bruins hosted the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday night. The first goal of the night occurred early in the 2nd period, as Miles Wood scored just 2 minutes into the middle frame, to give the Devils a 1-0. Riley Nash would continue his strong season as his 7th goal of the season equalized the game at 1. But, two minutes later Devils defenseman Damon Severson scored to give the lead back to the Devils.
The Bruins battled back again as Patrice Bergeron continued his scorching offensive game as his PP goal tied the game at 2. Bergeron’s PP goal was his 20th goal of the season. Just before the period ended, All-Star Brad Marchand’s silky smooth backhanded finish gave the the Bruins a 3-2 lead with under a minute to go in the 2nd period.
The Bruins entered the final period with a one goal lead and Tuukka Rask stood tall to preserve the win. The Bruins held the Devils scoreless in the 3rd and now recorded a point in 17 straight games. As mentioned earlier, Marchand elbowed Marcus Johansson late in the third period and was later suspended for 5 games.
Full recap here.
Game 2: Ottawa Senators
In the final game before the All-Star Break, the Bruins traveled up to Ottawa to take on the struggling Senators. Just after halfway through the 1st period, it was the struggling Sens who scored first. Thomas Chabot scored exactly 12 minutes into the period, to give the Sens a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes.
In the 2nd period, the Bruins would strike midway through the period as Danton Heinen knocked the puck past Sens goalie Mike Condon on the PP, to tie the game at 1. The game would remained tied heading into the final 20 minutes. The Bruins would score very early into the period. While shorthanded Tim Schaller sniped one on a breakaway to give the Bruins a 2-1 lead.
Shortly after, while killing the same penalty, the Sens would score on the PP to tie the game at 2. A few moments later, Jake DeBrusk‘s shot somehow, someway slipped through Mike Condon to give the Bruins a late 3-2 lead. The Bruins would lock down defensively and shut out the Senators for the remainder of the game to win 3-2.
Full recap here.
Next: Bruins McAvoy back on the ice
The Road Ahead
- Tuesday vs Anaheim
- Thursday vs St. Louis
- Saturday vs Toronto
Predictions
The Bruins have three games this week, all at home, all against quality competition. The most important game is against Toronto, because the Bruins have struggled to defeat the Leafs. In case of a future playoff matchup, I would love to see the Bruins finally beat them. I see the Bruins continuing the point streak up to 21 games, going 2-0-1 this week only dropping points to St. Louis on Thursday night.