Game 9: Welcome Back, Johnny

This was probably going to be the most emotional and bittersweet moment that the Boston Bruins will experience all year. Thursday night marked the return of one of Boston's most beloved athletes: Johnny Boychuk.

He had worked his way through the minor leagues in Colorado until earning the opportunity to play for the "big club" in Boston after his trade here. His work ethic, toughness, and character are all qualities that the Bruins currently miss back on the blue line. 

Check out some of Boychuk's greatest moments wearing the Black and Gold at the bottom of this entry....

Now, it is business. The Bruins were in action against the team they traded Boychuk to (for draft picks) prior to the start of the season. Yup, the New York Islanders were on TD Garden ice to oppose the B's. 

Boychuk, now in a top-pairing role with the Isles, was not the only problem the Bruins had to deal with. John Tavares is one of the best players in the league, and he always gives the B's fits. Would this night also be the case? 

The Bruins were coming off a big win on Tuesday, as they continue their chunk of the schedule were they play seven-out-of-nine games at home. This was the time to ride that momentum. Niklas Svedberg got the start in net for the Bruins on this night. 

As for this particular game, the Bruins played great for about 20 minutes. You cannot play well for only one period and expect to win the game. The Islanders beat the Bruins in every category in this one (with the lone exception being face-offs), but they also seemed to play with more heart out there. The B's tried to make things interesting late, but New York held on for an impressive road win. 

The Black and Gold lost their captain early on in the game due to an undisclosed injury. The Bruins will have a tough time replacing Zdeno Chara if he is out for a significant amount of time. 

The Bruins will play their next game on Saturday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Gold Star: Chris Kelly...His five-game point streak is no joke. Who would have thought he would be the most productive player on the roster so far? 

Black Star: Brad Marchand...He was virtually invisible out there--he did not make himself available for any significant scoring chances.

Game Nine Box Score