Bruins Fall Short Against Flyers

For the first time since May 12, 2011, the Boston Bruins lost to the Philadelphia Flyers in Philly. The Bruins had won 10 straight against the Flyers in enemy territory but today they didn’t have what it took to go for 11. This is the 5th game in 7 that the Bruins have lost, and obvious today should be a sign that there are PLENTY of things for the black and gold to improve on. The Flyers haven’t had the best season this year but you wouldn’t know it based on the game they played today.

Tuukka Rask would get the loss stopping 19-of-21 shots. Meanwhile Philly’s  Ilya Bryzgalov was a brick wall stopping 33-of-34.

Nathan Horton scored the lone goal for the B’s today (Credit:Flickr/Slidingsideways)

The Flyers opened up the shooting scoring their fifth power play goal in a row and they scored it against the NHL’s top penalty kill unit. Mike Knuble would get the credit for that goal, scoring with less than five remaining in the first period. It wouldn’t be long into the second period that  Matt Read would put Philly up 2-0. Bryzgalov was making save after save for his team and ultimately that is what kept them ahead.

In the third the Bruins would attempt a comeback with Nathan Horton scoring his 10th of the season, with Dennis Seidenberg getting the assist. Eventually the B’s would pull Rask and not soon after the Flyers would score an empty netter sealing the win for the team.

This game marked the return of Johnny Boychuk who had missed the past few games with an injury.

The problem with the Bruins at this point is that one line is producing during games while the others aren’t doing anything. Coach Claude Julien seconds this notion saying after the game:

“We’re not able to sustain much. Every game we’ve got one line thats scoring & 3 lines that aren’t doing a thing” (Via Joe Haggerty)

If the Bruins want to get back on track they need to start playing “Bruins hockey”. Unfortunately they don’t have much time between now and their next game as they’ll continue their roadie into Buffalo tomorrow to take on the Sabres.

 

Bruins Drop the Puck; Game 5 Recap

Marchand scored his first 2012 playoff goal today (Credit:Slidingsideways/Flickr)

Today the Boston Bruins returned home for game 5 of the Eastern Conference Quarter Finals with new lines and new focus. Coming off of a tough loss against the Washington Capitals on Thursday, the B’s look to bounce back and a take a 3-2 game lead. This series literally has come down to one goal decisions in all 4 games because Tim Thomas and Braden Holtby have been brick walls.

The Bruins get the first chance on the power play but considering they were 0 for 12 thus far on the PP I was less than optimistic. And yeah they didn’t do anything with it. Boston is the only time without a power play goal in the playoffs. First period the shots on goal between both teams were 21 however the score was 0-0.

Second period was boring. No goals until 8:14 remained when  Alex Semin got the Caps on the board first. I don’t like to argue goals but moments prior Joe Corvo went down on the ice after the puck hit his knee and there was no whistle. HELLO REFS?! Corvo had to be helped down the tunnel. Not even three minutes later, Jay Beagle gets a shot in off of Johnny Boychuk‘s stick. The Bruins need a goal and they need it now. Unfortunately, Patrice Bergeron headed to the dressing room after a hit to the head. Because Bergy has a history of concussion, things like this make me nervous. Fortunately, he returned soon after and with Corvo.

And then this happened. With 2:39 remaining, Dennis Seidenberg got the Bruins on the board. 28 seconds later Brad Marchand poked the puck past Holtby and friends we have a tied game. Needless to say Marchy is making his presence known on the 4th line.

Third period it’s the Caps who get the lead thanks to Mike Knuble and a lucky rebound. With 11:13 left, Boychuk literally let loose a rocket to tie up the game once again. But that didn’t last. With 1:27 left Troy Brouwer would get the game winner.

And it’s back to D.C. we go…

Trade Deadline Dwindling

P.A. Parenteau could be just what the Bruins need heading into the playoffs. (Photo Credit: Dinur/Flickr)

With a thin trade market this year and the deadline nearing, GM Peter Chiarelli has some tough decision making to do. While it is likely the Bruins will be going into the playoffs with generally the same roster as last season, a couple minor tune-ups wouldn’t hurt.

The number one rumor for the Bruins circulating as of late is Washington Capitals‘ Mike Knuble. Knuble has been a healthy scratch for the Caps as of late to which Coach Dale Hunter explained, was due to a poor plus/minus rating. Knuble was demoted to the fourth line back in late October and hasn’t registered a point for the Capitals since December 5. While his performance has been much like a roller coaster, statistics aren’t always the full story. Despite all of this, Knuble’s veteran game and great defensive presence would benefit the Bruins,especially helping fill the void of Peverley and Horton.

There has also been some skepticism of Ray Whitney joining the Bruins roster. While the Bruins have struggled to fill spots due to injury as of late, it was no question the shoes of Mark Recchi were hard to fill. With a player like Ray Whitney on the roster, the Bruins would fulfill a similar leadership roll. Whitney has played in 61 games this season and posted 17 goals and 31 assists for 48points, similar statistics to that of Nathan Horton.

While Rick Nash has been scoped out by seemingly every team in the League, in order to aquire him the Bruins would need to sacrifice a lot to bring him in, which is something they aren’t willing to do. They’re trying to go with the less is more aspect.

Taking a look at the UFA(Unrestricted Free Agents) of 2012, there is only one other person that sticks out to me. P.A. Parenteau of the New York Islanders. Parenteau has had a breakout season this year with the Islanders registering 56points in 61 games played. While the majority of his career has been spent in the minors, this could be just what Boston needs for a Cup run. Someone who is able to put up the numbers and potentially fill an open roster spot.

While the clock is winding down and there are no definite, set in stone plans as to who,if any, will come to Boston, there is still the hope of Horton returning in time for a big finish. (Fingers crossed.)