Even though we are only a couple of weeks deep into the NHL season, one would assume that it is too early for a team to be in a must-win situation.
This may be a little over-dramatic, but the Boston Bruins were one game removed from that must-win situation.
They knocked off the Florida Panthers on Thursday night, a team that was struggling heading into that meeting. If you add in the fact that they were going against Tim Thomas in the opposing goal, then you have to figure that coming away from that game without maximum points would have been disappointing.
Luckily, they pulled out the full two points on a late goal by Reilly Smith. They were riding some momentum into their game on Saturday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning. This was the final game of the B's two-game Florida road trip.
The Bruins defeated Tampa Bay on opening night, but would they have the same success against the Bolts on the road?
In the first period, the tone was set early when Gregory Campbell dropped the gloves in a scrap with B.J. Crombeen. From that point on, the game was intense and physical. The game ended with a couple of other fights as well. Normally, fighting in hockey is not discussed here. However, when they have an impact on the outcome of the game, then it becomes important.
In the middle of all of that featured the Bruins finding their scoring touch. They put up five goals by five different players, including one from Shawn Thornton. Also, Tuukka Rask was brilliant as he stopped all 23 shots he faced. With Carl Soderberg making his return to the lineup, the B's are clicking at a great time.
The Bruins will play their next game on Wednesday night when they travel to Buffalo to take on the Sabres.
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