Bruins Drop Three-Goal Lead in OT

Dougie Hamilton earned his third of the season tonight instilling the Bruins a 3-0 lead for the second time this season. (photo credit: Steph Vail/ Flickr)

Tonight the Boston Bruins headed to the Capitol in hopes of bouncing back into the win column and exacting revenge on the Capitals after last season’s playoff elimination. Unfortunately that wasn’t the case and the Bruins blew a three-goal lead from the first period and dropped the ball in overtime.

The first period was exactly what was needed from the Bruins. They found themselves on the penalty kill with a hooking call from Tyler Seguin and Brad Marchand, being one of the B’s best penalty killers, jumped at a shorthanded opportunity. In the process he was hooked and slashed by none other than Alex Ovechkin and was awarded a penalty shot. Marchand brought the puck in, deked left and waited for Holtby to commit and found a way to stuff the puck five-hole on Holtby for an early 1-0 lead.

Back pressure from Milan Lucic helped the Bruins score their next goal as he helped bring the puck up ice after a turnover and help break up a two-on-one opportunity for the Caps. He was able to bring the puck back into the offensive zone for the Bruins, find Chara who unleashed a slapshot a little high, hitting Krejci in the leg, and then banking in his own rebound for a 2-0 lead.

With 1:45 remaining in the period Alex Ovechkin was hauled off to the penalty box for a call that, honestly, shouldn’t have been made. Ovechkin placed a shoulder-to-shoulder hit on Chris Kelly in the neutral zone in front of the bench area a half second after Kelly released the puck and got called for interference. However, the Bruins stepped up to the plate and did what they had to do to get the job done. They used their cycling game to move the puck from the corner up to the point where Dougie Hamilton was waiting to unleash a shot. There was a slight screen in front of Holtby, just enough for him to not realize what was going on and give Hamilton his third of the season and the Bruins their second 3-goal lead of the season.

Through the next twenty minute frame a completely different game began to evolve as the Capitals fought their way back on the scoreboard and contained the Bruins. Ovechkin helped the Capitals score the first goal of the game with an initial shot that led to a scramble out in front to which Ribeiro was able to put past the netminder. Tomas Kundratek would score the second goal for his first of the season right off of the face off.

The third period provided a lot of opportunities for the Bruins and Capitals alike, but it would be the Caps insistence that would eventually put them up with a game-tying goal from Wojtek Wolski thanks to a pass from Fehr in the final minutes. The game-winning goal in overtime came from an off-balance Eric Fehr who was able to beat the defense and Rask and win the game for Washington in a similar fashion as the playoff loss last season.

The Bruins next game is Thursday against he Toronto Maple Leafs where they look to earn their eighth straight win and second of the season.

Daily Countdown: 146 Days

Just think Bruins fans, we are yet another day closer to seeing our boys dressed in Black and Gold. We are another step closer to seeing Nathan Horton back on the ice! Who wouldn’t want to countdown to that?! We miss you Nate and we are sending you positive thoughts!

 

P.S. Make sure you give that new baby of your plenty of love from all of us here at Aerys! Spoil ’em!

Braden Bounces the B’s

Well my friends, after a well fought out battle, sadly the Bruins season has come to an end as they fell to the Washington Capitals 2-1 tonight at the TD Garden. Braden Holtby posed as the biggest threat to the Bruins as he stood tall between the pipes and brought Washington the victory. When it is all said and done the problem lies in consistency.

Throughout the entire season the Bruins have sought for it. Having severe lows and battling their way through injuries to claw their way back to the top. Unfortunately this season, it wasn’t enough.

Tonight they fought hard, winning battles for the puck and creating offensive opportunities, it simply came down to the luck of the draw. Who was going to be lucky enough to get that rebound shot and the Bruins fell short. The game went into added minutes and it was off of a Mike Knuble shot that Ward would bang in past Thomas to seal the deal.

As many Bruins fans alike right now, I am in disbelief. A team that is so talented and has fought so hard to be where they are have been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. In fact, BOTH teams that were in last year’s Cup final have been eliminated. It would appear as though this is the year for the underdog with teams such as the Phoenix Coyotes and Nashville Predators advancing and the Ottawa Senators coming within a game from knocking out the first seeded Rangers. It is definitely an odd year for sure.

However, despite tonight’s loss, the Bruins provided us with one hell of a season and fought until the very last whistle tonight. They showed heart, passion, commitment and determination, giving this game everything they had in them. Regardless of tonight’s outcome, the true fans of Boston still remain and we will continue to bleed black and  gold for many years to come. Congratulations to a spectacular season and we will see you in October boys!

Mouthy Marchand At It Again

Marchand's mouth is getting him in trouble. . . again. (Photo Credit: Steph Phillips)

Brad Marchand is known around the League for his seemingly big mouth and chirping on the ice, earning names like “Little Ball of Hate”, “Honey Badger”, “Nose Faced Killah” among others. Today he was criticized after his statements in an interview with a Boston Sports radio station. Apparently Marchand made a statement about how cold the city of Buffalo, New York is and of course, it was severely misinterpreted.

As if the feud between Boston sports fans and New Yorkers isn’t bad enough, it grew today as Marchand’s innocent words were spun as insulting to the city of Buffalo.

“It’s just a little cold in Buffalo and I’m allergic to the cold, so it came up,” said Marchand after this afternoon’s practice in Buffalo’s First Niagara Center.”The people here have always been very friendly and very nice. By no means [was it] a shot at them –- they’re great people –- I’m just joking around.” (via Bruins Official Website)

As if the Bruins haven’t been in the media spotlight enough lately, what with Tim Thomas and Tuukka Rask making headlines as of late, it was to no surprise that media reporters asked Claude Julien’s thoughts on the issue:

“I’ll just speak for myself and say certainly not my thought.”

It appears a simple, silly little statement got blown out of proportion and reporters were trying to stir the pot by making mountains out of a mole hill. Marchand assured the people of Boston and New York that he in no way meant to offend anyone and was only referring to the weather, as it is usually rainy or cold when the Bruins are in town. When asked if he thought it would affect the game tomorrow night, he stated:

“It shouldn’t it has nothing to do with hockey.”

It’s no question there is already some haste between the Buffalo Sabres and Boston Bruins, even though it has been months since the hit on Miller. While the Sabres may hold a grudge against Boston, the Bruins are in no way allowing this little misconception get in the way of their game. In fact, it would appear the team is more focused than ever.