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Boston Bruins Causeway gameday! Possible playoff preview

BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 10: Boston Bruins Center David Krejci (46) tries to get position on Toronto Maple Leafs Defenceman Roman Polak (46) in front of the net. During the Boston Bruins game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on December 10, 2016 at TD Bank Garden in Boston, MA. (Photo by Michael Tureski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 10: Boston Bruins Center David Krejci (46) tries to get position on Toronto Maple Leafs Defenceman Roman Polak (46) in front of the net. During the Boston Bruins game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on December 10, 2016 at TD Bank Garden in Boston, MA. (Photo by Michael Tureski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Boston Bruins are coming off an impressive win against a tough Western Conference opponent.  Tonight, another tough test awaits, as the Bruins take on a divisional rival they haven’t beaten this season.

The Boston Bruins certainly rebounded well from their first regulation loss in a month-and-a-half.  After being thoroughly beaten by the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday, the Bruins dismantled the St. Louis Blues on Thursday night.

The Bruins, still down defenseman Charlie McAvoy, suspended winger Brad Marchand, and injured forward Noel Acciari, played a solid and punishing team game.  Tuukka Rask, who has now recorded a point in 19 straight starts (17-0-2), played out of his mind in net, and the Bruins cruised to a victory.

Boston Bruins
BOSTON, MA – FEBRUARY 1: Tuukka Rask

The Bruins second half of the season after the all-star was already going to be one of the toughest in the NHL, since they have to play 35 games in 69 nights.  With a lot of quality opponents on the horizon, and several lengthy road trips, the boys in black and gold are going to need to secure points whenever they can, especially in the division.

Tonight the team takes on the division rival Toronto Maple Leafs.  The teams met earlier this season in a home-and-home series.  Unfortunately, that is when the Bruins were playing inconsistent hockey.  The Bruins lost the first game in Toronto in overtime, and had the doors blown off at home the following night.

Unless the Bruins go on an absolute run to end the season and overtake the Tampa Bay Lightning, or unless the Maple Leafs fall of a cliff, this is likely a first round playoff preview.  The Bruins sit comfortably in the 2nd spot in the division (30-11-8, 68 points), and the Maple Leafs are entrenched in the 3rd spot (30-18-5, 65 points).  The Leafs may only be 3 points back, the Bruins have 4 games in hand.

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Schedule

Tonight’s game will take place at the TD Garden in Boston, MA, and is the Bruins last game at home before a short road trip.  Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 pm, and every who wishes to view the game can join Jack Edwards and Andy Brickley on NESN.  Wanna listen?  Tune into 98.5 The Sports Hub.

What to watch for

The Maple Leafs, a lot like the Bruins, are a team based around youth, with veterans sprinkled in for stability.  If the Bruins wish to contain the Leafs, fans can only hope for Charlie McAvoy to return tonight from his heart procedure.  There hasn’t been a decision made yet, but McAvoy was on the ice for morning rushes today.  In the speed department, Austin Czarnik was also recalled on an emergency basis.

Next: Boston Bruins Prospect Update: Ryan Donato

Tuukka Rask will be guarding the net.  With his 20 wins, he has slowly been climbing the goalie win category, and currently sits tied for ninth.  His .924 save percentage and 2.12 GAA are also near the top of the league.  Can you imagine where his numbers would be if he didn’t start the year so terribly?  I’m pretty certain he’d be a favorite for the Vezina.  As it stands now and if he continues his play as of late, he could be in the running.

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