Last night was incredibly disappointing. There’s no escaping that. The Buffalo Sabres have been one of the worst teams in the league. The Bruins in doing so squandered a chance to advance on the Tampa Bay Lightning. Tonight, the Bruins looked to exercise the demon as they take on the New Jersey Devils.
Marchand will need his head on a swivel
Tonight marks the first time since his suspension that Brad Marchand will lace them up against the New Jersey Devils. Marcus Johansson has missed eight consecutive games since taking the elbow from Marchand. Don’t be surprised if you see one of the Devils look to exact revenge on the Boston Bruins infamous forward.
Bruins may have lost, but the Devils were demolished
The New Jersey Devils were absolutely appalling last night. In a wildly open game the Devils got thumped 6-1 at the hands of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Frankly, it could’ve been more. Keith Kincaid had to brave a barrage fo 50 shots, making 44 saves and still leaving with a save percentage of just .880%. Furthermore, the goal that Brian Boyle scored for New Jersey was unassisted, a shambolic display.
Does this mean that the Devils will be easy pickings tonight? Probably the complete opposite. I’m sure serious words were had, and this team will be playing guilty tonight. They’re frankly too talented a side to get into a funk.
Devils’ lack of goaltending
Corey Schneider hasn’t even practiced for the Devils, Ken Appleby is playing with their AHL affiliate and Keith Kincaid got shelled last night. New Jersey could turn to Eddie Lack tonight, in essence their fourth-choice starter. The Bruins need to open up New Jersey and pepper the net with shots, don’t let Lack get comfortable in the crease.
There’s ample talent on this Bruins side to give Eddie Lack fits. There needs to be far more jump in this tie tonight if they want to get by New Jersey.
Sloppy D from the Boston Bruins
Tuukka Rask was fairly hung out to try by his defence last night. Ample turnovers in the defensive zone. Time to tighten up and give Anton Khudobin some protection.
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The Bruins lacked intensity last night and just like the Devils will come out fighting tonight. I can’t poor foresee back-to-back performances.
Prediction
Bruins right the wrongs of last night. Play a higher pace, tightly structured game. Devils come out strong but just can’t get the goaltending to win them the game.
Bruins 4 Devils 2.