
Thomas came up big/By S. Bradley
BOSTON — The Bruins’ first four-game losing streak in more than two years came to a dramatic end Saturday, as Patrice Bergeron scored clutch shootout goal and Tim Thomas followed with a clutch save to close a 3-2 victory over Philadelphia.
Boston also won the shootout, 3-2, as Thomas’ glove save on Daniel Briere followed up Bergeron’s big score.
For more on the game and about Thomas and Bergeron, check out my NHL.com game story. And for my thoughts on Thomas’ performance, check out my CBSBoston.com column.
Here a few quick notes from the game:
•The Bruins improved to 27-0-0 when leading after two periods. It was the first time in six games they actually held the lead after 40 minutes.
•Chris Kelly centered a line with Benoit Pouliot and Brian Rolston, and that trio put Boston on the board first for the first time in eight games. That line also created more chances over the course of the game. Kelly’s goal was his second in 13 games.
“Yeah I think [we’re] finding some chemistry there, which is nice,” said Kelly. “Finding our strengths and trying to work together and I enjoy playing with both of them.”
•The Bruins sat out Joe Corvo for the first time this season, which leaves Bergeron, Dennis Seidenberg and Kelly as the only Boston players who’ve appeared in every game this season.
Greg Zanon was back in the lineup on the third pair with Adam McQuaid. Zanon finished a plus-2 in 13:20 of ice time with three hits.
Boston also reverted to its top four on defense from last year’s playoffs. Seidenberg was paired with Zdeno Chara, while Johnny Boychuk and Andrew Ference formed the second pair.
“Whether it disappears for a while and comes back, that’ll depend on the teams we’re playing against, it depends on who’s in the lineup, and what players they’re playing, who they are, etc. etc.,” said Bruins head coach Claude Julien. “Those are decisions you make almost on a game-to-game basis. But at the same time, you’re not going to hide the fact that you like that pairing, especially if both of them are at their best. They’ve probably become out of the best pairs in the league.”
thank you b-16 for the reminder well just a guess but Corvo/Kaberle/Rolston hopefully will not be slotted there. I love Bergy from the point at times but he can work the wall fantastic. Yes I am calling the above mentioned players as one but they still don’t add up to a Bergy
Terry
Boychuk did play on the power play last year in the playoffs, with Bergeron on the points, and played pretty well. The forwards will go in front of the net when Boychuk shoots because its usually low. When they signed Corvo, he replaced Boychuk on the PP. Corvo is considered to be a better passer.
Ha boy Boychuck man he is good B-16. Great game played yesturday energy wise and we really out worked the flyers. I would like to see Boychuck on the Power play I can’t figure why Claude always wants to use four forwards I’m sure there is a reason but Boychuck with Z would be pretty good
Nick
Boychuk has been improved this year from last, especially regarding moving the puck. Bergeron is a warrior, they should cancel next year’s all-star game since he didn’t get named this past year. Corvo has had his chances, he just isn’t good enough defensively.
Oh i agree B16. I think all 4 of the players play better with thoese pairings because uthey match up better together.
I don’t know what they slipped into Boychuks food but keep it in stock. Hes been an animal of late. And pick your poison for a bout on this team, good god…
I just can’t get enough of how much of a gamer Bergy is to. He’s flat out awesome.
Nick
Everyone talks about Sidenberg playing with Chara as being a good pairing, but I think Ferrence plays best when he’s with Boychuk. It did look much better today, in every area.
Boy was that a great matinee game and a well deserved win. Could’ve been more physical play but it was a good step on the right direction.
I really disliked the call on Seguin to give a very good PP squad a gift and let them back in the game.
Oh, Corvo finally sits, shuffle the lines and there you have it.
Terry
Boychuk must read your blogs.