| 20 October 2011
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.
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