The Western Conference in the NHL plays a very different style of game than the teams in the Eastern Conference. The teams in the East play a very fast-paced, hard contact style where as the teams in the West play a slowed-down, finesse style. The Bruins were tested tonight by a team that leads the Central Division: the Detroit Red Wings.
These teams were members of the "Original Six" teams when the NHL came into fruition. This year's Red Wings team has been injury-plagued all season long, having had 12 players out of action for at least a game. They came into the game coming off a loss to divisional rival Nashville Predators by a score of 4-1. However, the Bruins are coming off the most emotional win of the season in a fight-filled game with the Montreal Canadiens in which they won 8-6. Tyler Seguin and Mark Stuart were announced as healthy scratches prior to the game.
The Bruins came out looking emotionally drained to start the game. The Red Wings jumped out to an early 2-0 lead. As the period progressed, Tuukka Rask made some key saves to keep the B's in the game. David Krejci scored his 8th goal of the season on a nice pass by Milan Lucic. Bruins trailed after one by a score of 2-1.
The second period was arguably the worst period that the Bruins have ever played so far this season. They were out shot 11 to 7 and they allowed three goals in the period. The Red Wings have the second best power play percentage in the league, so I guess the B's are lucky that the Red Wings are only 1 for 4 on the man advantage. Not much for Jack Edwards to get excited about during these 20 minutes. Bruins trailed 5-1 after two.
The third period was a disaster. The Red Wings out shot the B's 15 to 8 and they popped in another goal. This goal came after Rask was replaced by Tim Thomas. The worst goal differential outing this season for the B's as they lose 6-1.
Gold Star: David Krejci (1 goal, 3 shots on goal)
Black Star: Brad Marchand (-3 for the game, 2 giveaways, 1 penalty)
If I had to chose an opponent for the Bruins to lose to, it would be the Red Wings. They are a classy group of guys who play very well together and are very well coached. We will be suiting up against them again real soon. See you guys on Sunday.
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