The Boston Bruins wrap up their season-opening, two-game series against the New Jersey Devils on Saturday afternoon looking for a second consecutive victory on the road.
In Thursday night’s opener, the Bruins beat the Devils, 3-2, in a shootout for their first win in nearly two years in a shootout. The Bruins gave up a pair of one-goal leads in the third period, but used power play goals from Brad Marchand and Nick Ritchie to get to overtime. Marchand scored the only goal of the shootout in the third round to help the Black and Gold escape with the win.
Tuukka Rask made 20 saves in the opener, which included two on breakaways in overtime, while he turned back all three New Jersey shootout attempts.
Thursday was the first chance we got to see the new looking Bruins defense. Two breakdowns led to both Devils goals, but Kevan Miller looked like someone who had not missed the last year-and-a-half because of a kneecap injury that required four surgeries and a long rehabilitation process. Jakub Zboril looked like he belongs on the NHL after his play with Miller on the third pairing. Let’s not forget about Charlie McAvoy as the 23-year-old looks ready to assume the leadership role on defense this season.
Rask will be given today off with Jaroslav Halak making in his season debut against the Devils. Other changes could include some line shuffling from coach Bruce Cassidy. Craig Smith is a game-time decision and it appears that Jack Studnicka might be moved off the top line with Marchand and Patrice Bergeron after just one game. Anders Bjork got to skate with the top line in practice on Friday. We shall see.
Two valuable points are available against the Devils.
After a sluggish first period Thursday night, New Jersey played a better second and third period, but let’s face it, the Bruins are the better team. Jack Hughes is a budding star in the league, but after that, the Devils had some veterans that are going to be trade deadline pieces that contenders will be looking to add for a postseason run.
One thing that the Devils showed us, and Rask, is that they are not afraid to crash the net. Miles Wood took two interference penalties after crashing into Rask in the crease. One thing the Bruins need to pay more attention to is the way other teams treat their goalies. In a shortened season, neither goalie can be lost for a significant amount of time because of injury. Time to protect the nest!!!
Date: 1/16
Time: 1 p.m.
Where: Prudential Center, Newark, N.J.
TV: NESN, MSG+, NHLN
Radio: 98.5 The Sports Hub
I don’t have to remind you that 2021 is a different NHL season. New division, new opponents, and a new playoff structure. The top four teams in the East Division qualify for the playoffs and it would go a long way for the Bruins to guarantee themselves a spot in the top four by taking as many points as possible from the rebuilding Devils.