Tonight the Bruins look to go for their longest season-opening home winning streak in over 22 years. The last time the Bruins opened a home season to 5-0-o was back in the 1990-1991 season when they played at the Boston Garden. Now to do so they’ll have to get past the Buffalo Sabres. The Sabres, on the other hand, are looking to end a steak of their own as they’ve lost the past four games.
Happy Birthday Seguin! (Credit: flickr/ Steph Vail)
Bruins picked up an OT win on Tuesday night proving that not even a hot dog can slow down the team (watch the video if you don’t know what I’m referring too). It took six rounds before Brad Marchand would get the game winner, his first shootout goal of his career.
The Sabres are coming off an OT loss from the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday. Now they are looking to get back on track against on the NHL’s hottest teams.
Bad Blood With Buffalo:
This is the first of five meetings between the two teams, and if history repeats itself it will be nothing short of a battle. Boston and Buffalo aren’t actually chummy when it comes to playing against one another. Last year the teams fought a total of 6 times within six games. Now that the season is shortened and they’ll have to see each other sooner than later, I can only imagine the fight total will increase.
Look for goaltender Ryan Miller to get the start for Buffalo and look for Bruins fans to be nothing but “pleasant” towards the goalie. In our end, look for Tuukka Rask to be in net!
Who to Watch Out For:
–Thomas Vanek has 7 assists for Buffalo in five straight games. Vanek’s 25 goals and 49 points versus Boston are his highest totals against any opponent.
-Miller has won six of his last seven starts against the Bruins behind a 2.47 goals-against average.
Bruins Best:
–Nathan Horton has 2 goals in his last two games.
-Rask is off to a 4-0-1 start. His save percentage (.932) and goals-against average (1.74) are both fifth in the League. Needless to say, it’s TUUKKA TIME in Boston!
Fun Fact:
-It’s Tyler Seguin‘s big 2-1 today and I’m sure he’ll be looking for some birthday points. Happy Birthday Tyler! Enjoy some legal celebrations AFTER the game!
Injury Report:
Buffalo will be without Patrick Kaleta who suffered a neck injury Tuesday. He didn’t make the trip to Boston. Also, Robyn Regehr (lower body) is listed as day-to-day after missing Tuesday’s game. Bruins wise the boys are looking healthy, the only questionable player is Adam McQuaid who sat out Monday and Tuesday due to a family death. It is expected he will return tonight.
Puck drops at 7 tonight on NESN! Make sure to check back here after the game for a recap from Steph!
A Cup A Bruin 