| 27 October 2011
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%)
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