Another solid win. When Lauzon got thrown out of the game and then they went behind they could easily have dropped their heads, but they rallied and had control of most of the game after that. Fortunately we have guys like Chara and McAvoy who can eat up big minutes. Defense was good all round for the most part. Krug was a bit lazy on that 2nd goal, but otherwise they were present and correct.
Everyone is contributing. Rask is in the zone. Coyle was brilliant, working wonders with Bjork. DeBrusk is on one of his hot streaks. I've seen Bergeron play much better games than that and the guy still racks up 3 points. Kuhlman is everywhere, the 4th line also continues to skate hard every shift. Even-strength scoring is still an issue, and they still need help in that area, but they’ve definitely stepped it up after the break and I think they’ve proven that they’re hungry and ready for another serious tilt at the playoffs, so Sweeney needs to honor that and do whatever he can to provide that bit extra.
Interestingly, Pasta has been the one guy who’s looked a little flat after the break. He’s been ok, but not showing the same hustle or touch as he was. I at least partly blame the all-star game – it’s poorly timed and robs those guys of a proper rest. But pleasingly the Bruins have still been scoring and winning without him being in great form, and I’m sure he’ll find his game again soon. Better to have a cold patch now than in April.
On to Detroit. This ridiculous losing streak against them has to end here.