Old friends and a new season.  While there were enough compelling stories heading into tonight's game, the question still remained; would the drama from last year carry over into this new season?  Would PK Subban renew his hate affair with Bruins fans and closer to his heart, Milan Lucic and Nathan Horton?  Would Pouliot come out and show his old team that it was a mistake to let him go this off season?  Which goalie would lead their team and set the tone for the series, the Northeast and potentially the league? Oh and would there be any additional drama from that little thing that happened between Zdeno Chara and Max Pacioretty (our sources say that just in case something did happen, 911 doubled their call center capacities for the evening).

With that series of questions we went into the first and from it we found a few answers: No there wouldn't be immediate drama between Chara and Pacioretty.  Yes the fans in Boston would still bring their dislike for Subban to the Garden and more importantly, so would Milan Lucic and Nathan Horton.  Pouliot would come out looking to deliver against his old teams (along side past fight night dance partner David Krejci) but the question is still out on if he will deliver.  And the battle between Thomas and Price while intense and showcasing a high level of talent (especially from Price who saw the majority of the pressure in the period) did leave Thomas ahead as the 1 - 0 lead the Bruins obtained could only be put at the feat of the Montreal goaltender.

The only goal of the period came from the Bruins to start their 2nd of 3 power plays of the 1st.  On a fluke play, Patrice Bergeron lost a draw to Plekanec while breaking his stick.  He did manage to deflect it slightly though and as the draw came directly at Price, Carey was unable to sweep it away properly and the puck slide between his legs, off his skate and in the net.  Compared to the chances put on him during the period, the goal was shocking.  After fending off the Bruins down low for fourteen minutes, the one goal that snuck through was a routine play.  Coaches put this one in your back pocket as it exemplifies why you always put the puck on net.

At the other end of the ice Montreal was able to create a few opportunities.  Their ability to get onto the rush, create space and find opportunities was apparent.  If not for alert wings and defensemen down low the outcome of the period could have been much different.  While Thomas played well, the odd angle of plays left room for Montreal to potentially put one in three times.

Going into the second expect Montreal to come out and attempt to take over play.  Higher risk, higher reward plays as well as more effort in attempting to draw calls.  From Boston there will be more of the same from the first; pressure, hitting and work down low.

Stat of the period: with Bergeron's power play goal the Bruins are now 5 for 34 on the power play this season (14.7%)

The Providence Bruins grabbed five out of a possible six points this weekend and hope to carry that momentum into next weekend’s gaggle of games.

Friday nights bout against divisional rivals the Worcester Sharks was the Bruins’ second straight shootout win.  The Sharks have never been behind in a game prior and that night was no exception as the Bruins had to battle from behind the entire game.  The Sharks got two goals past Anton Khudobin in the opening period to give them a comfortable lead. Providence’s players were pretty rattled by going down so quick with two back-to-back heated fights with Tyler Randell and Curt Gogol dropping the gloves before Brandon Mashinter and Lane MacDermid exchanged punches following the next face off.

Providence got on the board 6:14 into the middle frame when MacDermid buried a rebound from Kirk MacDonald.  That was the only goal that period but the pace of the game changed from there. Worcester scored merely 28 seconds into the third period but Providence bounced back when Calle Ridderwall got his first professional goal at 1:46. The home team was within a goal once again and kept going hard up until the final 30 seconds of play when Jamie Tardif hit the back of the net to tie the game. Neither team could finish it off in overtime and it went to a shootout where rookie Carter Camper got the winning goal in the 5^th round of the shootout. Khudobin made 40 saves in the victory.

“It was a huge win,” Camper said, “We came back and battled. It was a big character win for us.”

Being in the win column certainly upped the morale in the locker room and the players were proud of their play.

“Nobody wants to start off with three losses, everybody wanted to turn it around as soon as possible and the fact that we’ve done this now shows a lot about our team,” Ridderwall said Friday.

Following Friday’s win, head coach Bruce Cassidy said the team will take a win anyway they can get them and the weekend prior was very important.

“We needed something good to happen,” he said, “I’m kind of glad we got away from the Dunk because we were not playing up to expectations for the fans or for ourselves. Getting away for a bit and not having to impress anybody was good for us.”

Rookie goaltender Karel St. Laurent got his first professional start and stopped 37 shots in Saturday night’s 4-3 win over the Portland Pirates up in Maine.

The first period was scoreless but the second period went back and forth in goals. Providence struck first when Stefan Chaput got his first of the season at 2:14 but Portland answered shortly after at 6:16. Jamie Arniel put the Bruins ahead just 40 seconds after the Pirates tied it up and held on until the final two minutes of play when the game got tied up again.

Ridderwall got his second goal in as many games to put the Bruins in the lead again at 6:21. The hero from Friday night Camper got his first official goal of the season in the form of the game winner for a second night in a row on the power play to solidify the win for the Bruins.

Sunday the Bruins continued on their point streak when they were defeated 3-2 in overtime by the Albany Devils.  Zach Hamill notched both goals for Providence and Khudobin made 35 saves in the loss.

Friday coach Cassidy made sure to note the team he stands behind on the bench is very young and inexpereienced. Both Ridderwall and Camper recognized it too following the game.

“When you’re a rookie and you’re new like this, you’ve got to be an energy guy,” Ridderwall said, “Basically, you try not to get too fancy.”

Rookie Camper is already providing heroics early in the season and he too recognizes the youth of the team. “We are a young team this year and we have to rely on the younger guys a bit,” he said Friday, “Hopefully soon the young guys can contribute on a nightly basis.”

Providence had two important players return to the line up this weekend that impacted the play on the ice. Matt Bartkowski returned in time for Friday night’s bout and he contributed more than just the assist on the game tying goal in the third period.

Cassidy was glad to have Bartkowski back for his experience in the league and to alleviate some stress and minutes off the younger players. “That’s where it becomes important,” Cassidy said, “Not only having him in the lineup but then allowing him to move some other guys around to play around in situations where they can have success in instead of having to play up where maybe they’re overmatched.”

Jordan Caron returned to the lineup for only Sunday’s game and has since been recalled back to play in Boston.

The lineup was shaken up again on Thursday when St. Laurent was assigned to the Bruins’ ECHL affiliate the Reading Royals and Yannick Riendeau was recalled from the Royals.

Riendeau was assigned to Reading on October 11^th after playing in one game for Providence. He has since appeared in four games with the Royals notching a goal and an assist.

St. Laurent had one career start with Providence where he earned the win and played as relief for Khudobin in a game against the Manchester Monarchs.

Though nothing is official, Ryan Button has been sent to Providence as well according to his Twitter account. He has been a scratch as of recently due to illness but played in 9 games this season where he registered no points.

The Bruins return to the ice Friday night at the Dunk against the Norfolk Admirals before traveling to Bridgeport to take on the Sound Tigers Saturday night. Sunday afternoon Providence will match up against the St. John’s IceCaps for the second time this season; they lost in their first game against the new team 4-1 on opening night.

The Bruins' 2009 3rd round pick, defenseman Ryan Button, is headed to Reading of the ECHL today, according to his twitter account. Button has appeared in nine professional hockey games between last year and this year. This season, he has registered 0-0=0 totals and 2 PIMs, and was a -1 through two games.

The Reading Royals return to action in their second weekend of play on Thursday night against the South Carolina Stingrays. It's very possible that recent sickness, which kept Button off the ice, may play a factor in this reassignment; strong performance in the ECHL should see Button back in Providence fairly soon.

 

Midwest Division

Peoria Rivermen (STL)
The Rivermen took 5 out of 6 points this weekend and improved their record to 2-3-1-1.

Friday night, the Rivermen got their first win of the season in their 5-0 win over the San Antonio Rampage. Goalie Ben Bishop made 28 saves, while Jonathan Cheechoo scored twice, while Jay Bariball recorded his first professional goal. Brett Sterling tallied three points, one goal and two assists. TJ Hensick rounded out the scoring with his own goal. Peoria’s PP was 4-for-6, while the PK was 9-for-9.

Saturday, the Rivs took on the Texas Stars, losing 6-5 in overtime despite Phil McRae scoring his first professional hat trick. Mark Cundari and Derek Nesbitt each scored their first goals of the year. In the first, Peoria scored four goals on just 16 shots. Dan Spang gave Texas the lead a little more than half way through the second and starting goalie Jake Allen was pulled in favor of Bishop. Sterling took a high sticking penalty early on in overtime, which gave Matt Fraser the opportunity to score the game winning goal on the powerplay. Following the goal, a scrum took place at center ice. Stefan Della Rovere was assessed a match penalty and game misconduct, leaving him suspended until further review from the league.

Back in Peoria for the final of their 3-in-3 series, the Rivermen took on the Chicago Wolves and earned a 5-2 victory. Hensick tallied two goals, while Cheechoo, Adam Cracknell and Anthony Nigro had one each. While the Rivermen were 0-for-2 on the powerplay this game, they were a perfect 5-for-5 on the penalty kill. Bishop made 29 saves to earn the win.
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The Boston Bruins assigned Jordan Caron to Providence in time for Sunday's game against the Lowell Albany Devils, where he was reunited with former linemate Zach Hamill. The pair connected for a goal, and though it wasn't enough for the P-Bruins to take out a win in OT, the quick reignition of chemistry between the two was promising for P-Bruins fans hoping to see a winning record this year The line of Hamill centering Caron and veteran Jeremy Reich was potent at times last season.

Caron and Hamill skate against Binghamton last year at the Dunk.

But Caron's tenure in Providence this year, as well as his opportunities to build a rapport with his teammates, might be limited if he continues this week's course: Caron was called up after Sunday night's game in order to practice with the team in Wilmington on Monday.

No word on whether Caron will be reassigned for next weekend's games, but barring injury, with Benoit Pouliot seemingly having locked up a spot on the Boston Bruins roster, it might be for the best for Caron to simmer in Providence and see actual ice time rather than sitting in the press box gathering dust in Boston.  

After a rough few minutes to open the game the Bruins did what they needed to tonight and cleaned up.  In a game against a division rival, one that was an early season must win, the Bruins pulled together, focused their energy and played a complete game at both ends of the ice; the exact opposite of the routing handed to them on Tuesday by Carolina.

So what did we learn tonight (or at least get reminded of)?

1. Tyler Seguin is breaking out.

Oh hi Tyler, didn't see you there.  You're ready for the spotlight? Great!

While many said Stamkos was an aberration, it appears as if Seguin could follow the same sophomore path to success.  In 7 games now Seguin has racked up a team leading 8 points.  He's shown the willingness to shoot, an increased understanding of the game leading to better decisions, a dedication to solid play in his own end, and the size and effort required for one to engage in the dirty areas and make plays happen.  Tonight his play with Lucic brought back memories of when a different fast young winger lead scoring opposite Lucic.  The only difference in this case appears to be the dedication to a well rounded game and a vision opening up passes that not many others in the league could make.

If things continue in this fashion, expect to see the Lucic-Krejci-Seguin line to come soon and to become a fixture on this team.  Especially when we consider that….

2. Horton is a natural fit on the Bergeron line.

What appears to have been the test tonight worked well for the Bruins.  Nathan Horton after the first few shifts fell into sync along side Marchand and Bergeron, both of whom brought their A games like every night.  Horton's size, speed and ability to play all areas of the offensive zone make him an ideal fit here.  The line brings constant pressure, wins battles and has 3 guys who can share the puck and each have the ability score with the hard shot or the hard work down low as shown by Bergeron and Horton respectively tonight.  If this line can continue to gel it can become a highly effective trio and balance the Bruins attack (while still being strong in the other 2 zones).

3. Pouliot may be one of the best steals of this off season

While the jury is still out on this one, Benoit Pouliot continues to progress in the black and gold and is doing what he needs to do to make fans forget he ever wore those other 3 dreaded colors.  The effort is there, the intensity and the dedication to playing a game at each end is there.  He didn't end up on the score sheet tonight but he created chances and after taking a penalty, went right back out and gave 110%, drawing a tripping call and putting the Bruins on the power play where Chara made the score 2-1.  For what the Bruins had to give up (nothing) and dedicate to him (1 year, < 1mil), we might end up with one of the steals of this past off season.

4. The power play changes are creating the additional movement and space up high needed to make it a force once more

Biggest difference from last year; the power play.  While it still hasn't been extremely productive (but where have we been productive offensively outside of select instances), it has been generating chances and passes the eye test.  An increase in high to low movement added to both a down low cycle and high cycle (pending on where the puck play is) is creating space for the unit to operate.  Tonight, that space early on was found up high and lead to the Chara goal (Seguin drives the slot, forces the defense to collapse, feeds Ference who has too many options with the added space and can easily feed Chara for the 1 timer that I haven't seen stopped before).  Toronto did adapt in the second and brought an increased pressure high and on the puck but that almost lead to goals down low.  Moral of the story, if you keep the cycles going, get in front of the net all while moving the puck high to low, good things will happen.

5. This team is like a shark, once it smells blood it goes into a frenzy.

There isn't another way of describing this; when this team gets going and they get emotionally involved, they boil over and appear to be unstoppable.  Tonight was one of those instances as every additional goal, close play, big hit put them up another notch.  Tyler Seguin's shifts personally could be looked at in this manner as the assists drove better play and eventually lead to him netting one of this own before coming out looking to put a few more behind Gustavsson

What we saw Tuesday, while I believe was helpful for this team in the long run, is not the type of game that will help this team make the playoffs and succeed. The game they brought tonight, the refined and focused game driven by that energy and frenzy of emotion, that game will get this group wins and lead them far in their quest to repeat.  This group will look to keep it under control but will never get rid of that emotional attachment to their play.  As long as they continue to harness it, good things will happen.

Looking Forward

Saturday brings the San Jose Sharks to town.  This will be quite the challenge for the Bruins as the Sharks continue to be one of the forces in the west.  Tomorrow will likely show what the lines will be for this contest so keep an eye out for what happens in practice.

Even further down the line, next Thursday and Saturday have us playing a home and home series against the Montreal Canadiens and the newly returned Max Pacioretty.  While I have a hard time believing he'll go after Chara to drop them, these are likely to be highly emotional affairs.  To be successful, the Bruins will need to bring that frenzy play while staying away from the distractions that land them in the box and disrupt their flow.  The more 5 on 5 play they have, the better the chance they have at achieving a rhythm in the game.  Bring that type of rhythm against Montreal and unless Carey Price can call upon the spirits of Roy and Dryden, the Bruins could look to deal loses to 2 division rivals in a week.  With that, they'd be right back on track and driving into November

While the 2nd period wasn't bad for the Bruins, it certainly wasn't the first.  As the old adage goes though, no harm no foul.
Harm was close though as the 2nd began to resemble Tuesday night's affair with referees becoming heavily involved.  A 4 on 3 for the Leafs gave them a few chances but a mixture of Tim Thomas and the post kept the score at 3 to 1.  

At the other end of the ice the Bruins were able to create a few chances of their own but not as many as the first.  Brad Marchand short handed was able to pull off a play from NHL 12 lifting the puck over the defenders stick and going through him to the net for a quality chance.  Tyler Seguin working in front of the net almost added a goal to his earlier power play assist.  Then a strange play by Gustavsson on a dumped in puck almost gave the Bruins an empty net with Kelly feeding it out front to Peverley.  Still, the score ended at 3 to 1.

Biggest difference from period 1 to 2 was the Bruins power play or rather, the Toronto penalty kill.  The first period found the Bruins creating space up high with a good rotation and movement high to low.  The result was time for defensemen to make plays, take shots and create chances.  The second found the Leafs adjusting, sticking on the puck more, playing high in the zone and creating more trouble for the Bruins on the power play.

In the 3rd expect both teams to continue to adjust.  Toronto will not go down easy but the Bruins know that by now.  Expect Chara and Seidenberg to get significant ice time against Toronto's top line and top threat Phill Kessel.  Also, don't be surprised if Krejci does take shifts with future line mates Tyler Seguin and Milan Lucic

The changes the Bruins applied for this game appear to be in working order.  After going down early to Toronto off a David Steckel shot from the high slot, the Bruins stormed back to dominate the first period.  Leading the way so far has been the Bruins power play.  With the Bruins converting both chances (Nathan Horton down low and Zdeno Chara on the one timer), the extra man play appears to be on fire.  Compared to last year, the play shows a world of difference; better puck movement, more play down low, better rotations and a feel of more skill and creativity overall on both units.

The Bruins wouldn't stop with just the two power play goals though, Chris Kelly would add to the total with the Bruins first even strength goal of the game.  After receiving a pass down low from Lucic, Kelly proceeded to outwork the Toronto defense to secure a shot and rebound to put over the stretched pad of Gustavsson.  The 3-1 lead would be where the period ended with a team that has been frustrated lately going to the locker room with a sense of renewed faith.

The guys on fire tonight appear to be Benoit Pouliot, Zdeno Chara and none other than Andrew Ference who contributed with an assist on all three goals giving him a new personal best for points and assists in a single game.  Both power play goals provided points as well to the Bruins' captain who has shown a mix of offensive and physical play in the first.  Pouliot, while not being on the score board has shown why the Bruins have welcomed his play so far this season.  His intensity, hard skating and always looking to make a play have lead to chances as well as the drawn call that gave the Bruins the power play goal and lead tonight.  If he is able to keep this game up for the season he will be one of the best pick ups for the money across the NHL this past off season.

Correcting the pregame notes, Davide Krejci is back and playing this evening, sending rookie Jordan Caron upstairs this evening.  Krejci, while appearing slightly rusty his first shift or two, seems to be right back into the mix at this point; skating well, active on the power play and even taking shifts centering who else but Milan Lucic and Tyler Seguin.  While it looks as though Kelly will still get the majority of the time between the two this evening, the plan to get Krejci back in there soon could come to fruition Saturday when the Bruins host the Sharks.

Going into the 2nd period expect to see the Bruins come out and try to run away with this game.  Gustavsson being rusty has shown and the Bruins are doing what they need to to make sure he does not get comfortable down low.  If they can continue to keep the pressure up then this game could be over quickly.  Toronto will not go away easy though and any let ups by the Bruins could lead to an upset home crowd.  Don't be surprised if Mike Miccoli's pregame prediction ends up true though and the Bruins finish this up with a score of 6-2.

Tonight's game brings changes to the home team.  Earlier today defenseman Matt Bartkowski was sent back down to Providence after filling in as the 7th defenseman and the 6th when Adam McQuaid went down.  With Steven Kampfer returning to the line up tonight and Adam McQuaid being close to returning, Bartkowski's return to Providence was not much of a surprise.  The young puck mover has had sprints of high play but for the majority of his time on ice has shown the need for additional grooming in the AHL.

The bigger change that has gained attention this week though has been in the Bruins' offensive lines as Nathan Horton has be moved to Bergeron's right wing and Chris Kelly has been put between Milan Lucic and Tyler Seguin.  This much more significant change seems to have caught many off guard.  While many expected a change to come, this was a more significant change than many expected.  In truth though, the move aligns with where many predicted the team to head this season.

Before the season began, many wondered when Tyler Seguin would have his breakout, expecting him to follow the exact same path to NHL stardom as Steven Stamkos.  While experts were hesitant to buy in to the idea this early on, the start of the season has shown that what fans expect, Tyler expects of himself.  The additional weight put on in the off season, the work with Gary Roberts and the desire to go for the cup again all have him taking off strong, playing a well rounded game and creating more chances some nights than the rest of the offense.

With Seguin looking closer to ready for NHL prime time, the question has thus been, where does he go?  Do the Bruins play the 3 strong center game displayed in seasons past?  Do they make the switch with Peverley and allow Bergeron to center the two young breakout wings (while reuniting Peverley and Kelly)? Or do they make a bigger move and attempt to recreate the style of Lucic-Savard-Kessel with the combination of Lucic-Krejci-Seguin?

This week's moves hint towards a strong possibility of the latter.  By sliding Kelly in between Lucic and Seguin the Bruins have effectively made a placeholder who can bring additional speed to the mix and the defensive coverage that is needed to let the wingers focus on the other end of the ice.  It also begins the experiment of Marchand-Bergeron-Horton a bit earlier and during a time where change is needed.

Horton should prove to be an effective wing on this line.  His style of play, work on the boards and shot enhance what this line can do in the offensive zone.  Three players who can go to the net, work the boards and play tough grind it out hockey while constantly threatening to score.  If the line is able to catch on and Krejci's appearance between Lucic and Seguin comes sooner than later, the top two lines of the Bruins have the potential of being more effective than the top of the league even strength lines of last season.  They also give the Bruins additional depth on the 3rd line and keep in tact the grinding fourth.

Watch for tonight to be a high energy game where the Bruins with their new lines show more focus and thought.  This could be a breakout game especially against Toronto as Gustavsson is only appearing in his first game of the season.  It is likely though to be one where mistakes show up and hopefully not in the defensive end as guys get used to playing with each other.  If they can get past those mistakes and start a rhythm, it may be something they can carry into the weekend where they may see the return of David Krejci and the new lines going forward.

Atlantic Division

Worcester Sharks (SJS)
The Sharks scored 4 power play goals in their 6-1 win over the Albany Devils on Saturday night. Goaltender Tyson Sexsmith saved 15 of the 16 shots he faced for the win. The Sharks outshot the Devils by a total of 31 to 16 through the 60 minutes of play. Benn Ferriero opened the scoring at 6:07 of the first and Matt Irwin extended the lead on the power play at 8:52. The Devils answered with a goal from Vladimir Zharkov but that would be their only offensive output. Ben Guite scored the only goal of the middle frame before James Livingston added another insurance goal just 28 seconds into the third. Mike Connolly scored just over a minute later on the power play for his first professional goal of his career; he had already assisted on the goals to Ferriero and Irwin in the first. Livingston capped the scoring with his second of the night, which was also the second of his professional career, at 5:32.