Can anyone else say heart attack? Because I sure can. Last night's game was not only a heart attack extended out over 60 minutes but was also the definition of a great hockey game. Lucky for us, the Bruins came out on top 4-3 in overtime for the additional two points and an extension of our win streak.
But let me just say, as much as I loathe the Penguins and everything they are, they of course played a fantastic game. They got some good shots on goal and they kept that offensive pressure up all game. The back and forth they maintained with us was impressive. Even if you don't like them, you can't deny they play great hockey.
But let me just say, as much as I loathe the Penguins and everything they are, they of course played a fantastic game. They got some good shots on goal and they kept that offensive pressure up all game. The back and forth they maintained with us was impressive. Even if you don't like them, you can't deny they play great hockey.
And as much I absolutely despise Sidney Crosby and his whiny, pampered attitude, there is no denying his goal with .3 seconds left on the clock to bring the game into overtime was a beautiful one. One thing I said the Bruins needed to do to win this game was make sure Sidney Crosby had no wiggle room. So of course within the last 5 seconds, we gave Sidney Crosby a basically clear path straight to Rask. Granted, the Bruins still managed to win it, but Crosby never should have had the chance to tie it. For what it's worth though Crosby showed his ability to make plays and score goals on even the best of goalies with that one (and I hate him for it.)
Outside of the little slip up, there isn't much I can criticize the Bruins on. We got a bit sluggish at one point but we picked the energy up within minutes and it didn't cause us too many problems. Our defense struggled some with a powerful Penguins offense but they held their own very well considering we're missing two of our veterans. And can we just talk about the fact that all game we only got ONE PENALTY? That's a miracle if I ever saw one. By staying out of the penalty box, we were able to play a much more complete game (what do ya know?).
To me, the biggest positive of this game was of course our offense. We came out flying and maintained that energy for almost the entire 60 minutes. We were winning important puck battles and using our physicality to our advantage. The Bruins kept up constant pressure on Fleury who, as we all know, does not do well under pressure. They even remained undaunted by Crosby's last minute goal and for our efforts we scored four of our own amazing goals.
Outside of the little slip up, there isn't much I can criticize the Bruins on. We got a bit sluggish at one point but we picked the energy up within minutes and it didn't cause us too many problems. Our defense struggled some with a powerful Penguins offense but they held their own very well considering we're missing two of our veterans. And can we just talk about the fact that all game we only got ONE PENALTY? That's a miracle if I ever saw one. By staying out of the penalty box, we were able to play a much more complete game (what do ya know?).
To me, the biggest positive of this game was of course our offense. We came out flying and maintained that energy for almost the entire 60 minutes. We were winning important puck battles and using our physicality to our advantage. The Bruins kept up constant pressure on Fleury who, as we all know, does not do well under pressure. They even remained undaunted by Crosby's last minute goal and for our efforts we scored four of our own amazing goals.
1. Loui Eriksson on the backhand: how beautiful was this goal? After a pass from Soderberg, Eriksson shows some fantastic puck handling skills as he self passed between his legs, dangled to get Fleury to move and scored. If it wasn't obvious before it is now that Eriksson has found his niche and is capitalizing on it. This goal was his 5th of the season.
2. Reilly Smith on the Powerplay: Reilly Smith, once again, proved he is not only a great fit but also an asset on this team. Somehow, Soderberg managed to pass the puck with his back to the net on to the waiting stick of Reilly Smith, who buried it on Fleury's gloved side. He made it look easy and it's becoming more obvious that the Bruin's powerplay is slowly beginning to click (at last). This goal counted as the Bruins' 12th power play goal and Smith's 5th goal of the season.
3. Zdeno Chara with the wrister: let me just say, in Fleury's defense, if I ever saw Zdeno Chara go to shoot a puck at me, I would move out of the way too. The goal came after a series of short, well placed passes that set Chara up perfectly at the top of the circle for the shot and some traffic in front of the net thanks to Jarome Iginla. This counts as Chara's 5th goal of the season also.
4. Torey Krug's Laser in Overtime: We are not worthy. Krug is going to be one of the great's one day, I'm calling it right now. Team USA would be foolish not to pick this kid up. Krug makes a smart pass near the blue line to Marchand who then finds Krug coming down the left wing. As Fleury starts to move Krug dangles and then capitalizes with a bomb from the circle. This is Krug's 7th of the season, putting him as the top scoring defenseman in the league with Erik Karlsson (OTT) and Shea Weber (NSH) (which say something since all of these guys are veterans and Kruger's in his second year).
2. Reilly Smith on the Powerplay: Reilly Smith, once again, proved he is not only a great fit but also an asset on this team. Somehow, Soderberg managed to pass the puck with his back to the net on to the waiting stick of Reilly Smith, who buried it on Fleury's gloved side. He made it look easy and it's becoming more obvious that the Bruin's powerplay is slowly beginning to click (at last). This goal counted as the Bruins' 12th power play goal and Smith's 5th goal of the season.
3. Zdeno Chara with the wrister: let me just say, in Fleury's defense, if I ever saw Zdeno Chara go to shoot a puck at me, I would move out of the way too. The goal came after a series of short, well placed passes that set Chara up perfectly at the top of the circle for the shot and some traffic in front of the net thanks to Jarome Iginla. This counts as Chara's 5th goal of the season also.
4. Torey Krug's Laser in Overtime: We are not worthy. Krug is going to be one of the great's one day, I'm calling it right now. Team USA would be foolish not to pick this kid up. Krug makes a smart pass near the blue line to Marchand who then finds Krug coming down the left wing. As Fleury starts to move Krug dangles and then capitalizes with a bomb from the circle. This is Krug's 7th of the season, putting him as the top scoring defenseman in the league with Erik Karlsson (OTT) and Shea Weber (NSH) (which say something since all of these guys are veterans and Kruger's in his second year).
This win is going to give the Bruins some much needed momentum as they face a relatively difficult week with games against the Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers and Columbus Blue Jackets all within 4 days.
So until tomorrow's game against the Red Wings,
Keep Calm and Bergeron!
So until tomorrow's game against the Red Wings,
Keep Calm and Bergeron!