Bruins Have Monster Weekend, Sitting Pretty For Playoffs
The Bruins have been quite the see-saw over the last month. After a torrid start under Bruce Cassidy, a four-game losing streak had panic buttons being sought and the anti-Tuukka brigade being even dumber than usual. But since’s Rask’s bad third period vs. Tampa Bay, the Bs have rattled off five impressive wins in which they’ve surrendered just six goals to put a tighter grip on a playoff spot.
Rask and red-hot Anton Khudobin each notched a well-earned win in back-to-back matinees Saturday vs. Florida at the Garden and yesterday in Chicago. The Bruins 92 points vaulted them into second place in the Atlantic ahead of Toronto and Ottawa, who both have 91 points as well as two games in hand. If they win two of their final three games (at home vs. Tampa, Ottawa, and D.C.), they’re in no matter what.
Kevan Miller’s sick dangle and Dobby’s unreal saves were the difference versus the Blackhawks. David Krejci’s gift goal and three more from the Dynamic Duo did in the Cats. Brad Marchand’s two weekend points have him third in the NHL scoring race (39-46–85) and in the Hart conversation.
What really changed over the weekend was the playoff possibilities. It looked as if the Bs would be matching up with a non-Mexican North American capital for the longest time but now rookie phenom Auston Matthews and his Maple Leafs are back in play as a potential Bs opponent and I, for one, am excited for that very much. Not to mention, should the Sens and Leafs not take full advantage of their games in hand, the Bs could still even snag home ice for the first round. Things are looking OK in Bruinsland.
In addition to signing Charlie McAvoy to an Amateur Try Out in Providence (which will likely result in a call-up to Boston some time this week), the Bs also signed Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson to a three-year entry level deal and he’s expected to join the club this week. The Bs may also have Anders Bjork once Notre Dame’s season ends later this week. That’s three potential impact players the Bruins might be able to just plop right into the line-up for the playoffs. They can’t get here soon enough.