Bear Tracks: Streaking Bruins do it again
November 17, 2008 by Jim Mulligan
Filed under Boston Bruins, NHL Hockey
OK, one win doesn’t constitute a streak. Tonight in Toronto the Bruins jumped out to a quick lead and Tim Thomas shut the door once again. Coming in late from a west coast trip, Leafs started slowly and allowed a pair of first period goals by Phil Kessel and Matt Hunwick - his first career NHL goal. Then a beautiful individual effort by Michael Ryder in the second period put the B’s up 3-1 and they held off a never say die effort (once again) by Ron Wilson’s Maple Leafs.
For the Leafs, Jason Blake scored his 3rd of the year late in the first period to cut the B’s lead to 2-1. In the third, Mikhail Grabovski scored his 9th, nine minutes into the period to once again cut the Bruin lead to one goal.
The Bruins played well but they spent their share of time in the penalty box. Their penalty killing has been sensational since their early season problems as they are up to 81.8% on the PK. They were 5-5 tonight on the PK with a brief 2 man disadvantage midway through the 2nd period. There were a couple other Leaf shots that got past Thomas tonight but from a Boston perspective, they got lucky as they were just ringing off the post.
Next up for the Bruins, the Buffalo Sabres come to Causeway Street on Wednesday night. The Sabres are in third in the division, 1 point behind Montreal and 5 points behind Boston. Obviously you have to watch out for Tomas Vanek and his 13 goals. Ryan Miller is always capable of stealing a game.
With a win on Wednesday, then we can say a streak has started.
I will see everyone from the Garden on Wednesday night. If you have any questions, contact me at jimmulligan@sportstalkbuzz.com
Jim
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November 18th, 2008 at 6:35 am
What exactly did Chara do to get a penalty late in the 3rd, I didnt hear the call but watched the replay and can’t figure out what was wrong with what he did.
Also I am very glad I drafted Tim Thomas in my fantasy league. He is paying off big time early on.
November 18th, 2008 at 6:49 am
I know the penalty you are talking about. Chara had the puck hop over his blade at the offensive blueline. When Z turned, I’m pretty sure it was Jason Blake that sped past him. Chara then squeezed and ran him into the boards. Technically, he wasn’t playing the puck so they got him for inteference. Live, I didn’t think it was a penalty but after seeing the replay in slow motion, I agreed with the officials call.
I don’t like a lot of these inteference/stick penalties when called to the letter of the law, takes away too much flow from the game and makes it too much of a special teams game
Thomas is definitely a good chip to have. With the defense first system the Bruins play, as long as they don’t run him into the ground, he’s going to pick up a ton of wins for you. Having said that, I would expect Thomas in net tomorrow (BUF), Manny on Friday (FLA) and Thomas on Saturday in Montreal…
November 18th, 2008 at 7:14 am
Winning against the Leafs is just doing your job..nothing more.
Thomas has been solid for most of the season but man this guy makes the goalie position fun to watch because of his brutal style. How about that goal he let in last time they played TO. He is actually like watching a mens league goalie who is on fire playing in the NHL…love it.
November 18th, 2008 at 7:22 am
That would sound right Jim, they would want Thomas in against Montreal. Problem for me is I have 4 canadiens on my team…….
November 18th, 2008 at 7:23 am
Who doesn’t get pleasure at beating Toronto
November 18th, 2008 at 10:42 am
James, So the Bruins win 5-4 on Saturday night, Thomas gets you a win and your 4 Habs each get a goal. See, everyone goes home happy…LOL
November 18th, 2008 at 11:41 am
Since you solved that problem I will let my 4 red wings do their thing……haha