Heading into the weekend, Boston expected to face two playoff-bound teams, though they could not have predicted the dramatic outcome – winning streak and all.
Carolina
The Bruins played the Carolina Hurricanes Saturday, at the Garden, Starting Khudobin in goal. Most injuries besides McQuaid were out of the picture and Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy had a strong fourth line dynamic prepared. They had covered their bases, and it clearly showed. The players’ careful focus brought the Bruins to a 7-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes, who were left with nearly every pass left unconnected, and every shot on goal missed.
This was truly a time for the Bruins’ top line to shine. Alternate Captain Patrice Bergeron took advantage of this, scoring four goals, and ending the night with a double hat-trick and five points, the second being his 700th career point.
The veteran made an attribute to his linemate, Brad Marchand for his scoring success.
“I think it was one of those nights where the puck was going in, but also I was finding that slot,” Bergeron told NHL.com “It seemed like it was open and Brad [Marchand] kept finding me there.
Pittsburgh
Boston ended the first half of the season on a hopeful note, despite a 6-5, overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Their midgame play is stronger than it’s been all season, illustrated Sunday, by a dramatic, four-goal, second period.
Bergeron, himself, recognized the dramatic switch from the first to second periods.
“We got away from our game and they took it to us,” the Alternate Captain told NHL.com. “We know they’re a good team, especially on the power play. We didn’t do a good job on the penalty kill.”
The penalty kill is what killed them, early in the game. Though, in racing to meet the score set by Evgeni Malkin and the Penguins in the first, Boston’s top guys got to show off their strength. Brad Marchand, Noel Acciari, David Pastrnak, and David Backes, all found the back of the net within the next 20 minute time frame.
think it gave them some pop going into the third and it showed,” Cassidy told NHL.com. “You don’t want to give those up. We had two opportunities to clear, that’s the unfortunate part. But that’s been a bit of an Achilles’ heel.”
Weekly Recap
The Boston Bruins vs. Florida Panthers game was postponed, Wednesday, due to heavy snow in Boston. Khudobin started in goal, to aid Boston’s 7-1 win over his former team, the Carolina Hurricanes, Saturday. The Pittsburgh Penguins took Boston’s winning streak in overtime, leading 6-5, Sunday.
Next 7 Days at a Glance
Saturday, Jan 13 at 7pm vs. Montreal Canadians
Monday, Jan 15 at 1pm vs. Dallas Stars
Wednesday, Jan 17 at 7:30pm vs Montreal Canadians
