On a day that Boston fans sadly see Ilya Kovalckuk traded to their conference opponent New Jersey Devils, the Boston Bruins were forced to focus on something much more reasonable—A WIN. Alright, so as it turns out, perhaps such a simple win is not so easy for this floundering Bruins team who, don’t look now, has just lost its ninth straight—yes, ninth straight—game.
After leading by two goals for almost 37 minutes, all it took was one 39-second lapse to sink back into their Bruin-deficient ways. In fact, in those measly 39 seconds, the Bs gave up 2 goals, their coveted lead, and all the hard work put into dominating play for the first two periods.
Blake Wheeler discussing how it feels to give up the lead…again:
Let’s Start from the beginning. After going 0-6-2 in his last 8, it was about time for Tim Thomas to take a seat. Which brings us to a hearty welcome for Tuukka Rask, the rookie goaltender who hasn’t won since…2009! But don’t let that fool ya, because Tuukka brought it tonight.
After starting the first period a little shaky (to say the least) by mishandling a puck behind the net, Boston stepped up defensively, and the rookie netminder rose to inspire hope in a Bruins team that has, dare I say, almost forgotten how to win. The Bruins outshot the Habs by an astonishing 15-5 in the first period, a period marked by great opportunities and unprecedented puck control.
Mark Recchi on how Tuukka Rask adds depth to a struggling Bruins team:
Mark Recchi started off the scoring at 15:48 with a deflection through the five-hole of Habs goalie Jaroslav Halak on the Power Play. Assists went to Dennis Wideman, who also deflected the puck, and Derek Morris, who initially shot from the point.
The timing could not have been more perfect for the veteran Recchi, who scored immediately following the arrival of the ‘boo-birds’ as Boston fans became agitated with a number of failed PP opportunities. Such a first goal was crucial for any chance of victory for these Bruins. The Bs went into the game a staggering 11-2-1 when leading after the first period.
But the Bruins weren’t done there. Not by a longshot. After a strong first period, the Bruins built on an early lead by, of course, increasing it. Coming out on fire in the second period, it took Boston very little time to get that huge second goal. After a shot from David Krejci from the right offensive circle, Blake Wheeler was conveniently waiting on the other side for the dribbling biscuit, easily tossing it into a wide open net to give the Bruins a 2-0 lead only 5:25 into the 2nd.
Rask continued to make great saves on his side of the ice, and the Bruins defense shut down the Montreal scorers time and time again to make it even easier for the newbie goalie. As the Bruins were leading by two late in the 2nd period, outshooting their rivals handedly, and controlling the puck in all facets of the game, it looked as if the Bruins would finally get that long-awaited win. But, then again, it’s the Bruins. Our Bruins. And we know what that means.
That’s right, folks. Just when it was all starting to come together, Montreal snuck right back in there with a goal at 17:06 into the 2nd by former-Bruin Glen Metropolit. And after that goal, the world fell apart and all the air was sucked out of the Garden. In fact, it’s even possible that the entire Boston squad may have left the building to grab a drink at The Fours and console each other. Because in the very first shift following Montreal’s first goal, Boston had no energy. They didn’t even bother moving their legs, and it was if the whole arena could see what was coming next: goal #2 for the Canadiens. And that’s exactly what we got.
Roman Hamrlik nailed a slapper into the net of an already-stunned Bruins team an abysmal 39 seconds later. But that goal was just what Boston needed (in some sense, at least), for that’s what woke the Bruins up from their little nap, if you may. Following the tying goal, Boston found its legs and came back strong, ending a difficult 2nd period on a positive note.
Unfortunately, the same team that is 11-2-1 when leading after 1, is also conveniently 2-17-3 when not leading after 2. So, that brings us to a third period, when the Bruins wished to change such misfortune. In a hard-fought third, both teams stepped it up—but Boston in particular dominated play in the neutral zone and along the boards. The period was marked with missed opportunities and the inability to finish plays as the Bruins scorers (if there is such a thing) could see the twine, but could not find it.
No goals were scored, tensions were high, and the Bruins found themselves facing overtime. It was hard to give up such a crucial point at this point in the season and to a team above them in the standings, but the Bruins focused on putting the past 60 minutes behind them and dominating the overtime. And, in many respects, they did. But, like much of the rest of the game, they simply could not convert. After drawing a rare overtime Power Play, the Bruins had great chances but had nothing to show for it but a few ‘Boos and Ahhs’ here and there from the fans.
Marc Savard speaking on the Overtime Power Play:
After Overtime had no determination of a winner, the fans apprehensively faced a shootout against a dangerously talented Montreal squad. However, Rask stood strong by stopping the first two shooters with highly impressive, sliding blocker saves, much to the Canadiens’ dismay. But Rask wasn’t the only impressive goaltender between the pipes in this shootout night, as Halak stopped all Boston shooters and their excessive deaking ways. And, as you can probably guess by now, that leaves us with only one possibility.
As Brian Gionta streaked down center-ice with enormous speed, all it took was one simple backhand flip over Tuukka Rask to seal the deal and put a dagger through the hearts of Bostonians throughout Bruins nation. Was it the next “Shot Heard ‘Round the World?” No, but it without a doubt leaves enormous questions in the Bruins locker room as to how a team in such a deep hole can possibly find its way out and back into the world of the hockey elite.
Bruins Coach Claude Julien on staying postive after a tough loss:
And Steve Begin gave his advice as to what’s next for this struggling Bruins club:
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