Event: Boston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Date/Time: Thursday, October 20, 2011 - 7 p.m. EDT.
Location: TD Garden (Capacity: 17,565), Boston, MA.
Broadcast Info: Tuesday's game between the Bruins and Maple Leafs will be broadcast live on NESN. The game can also be heard on the 98.5 the Sports Hub Radio Network, with Dave Goucher providing play-by-play, and Bob Beers providing analysis.
Last Time Out: Anyone who saw last game knows how unforgettable it was—or how forgettable they wanted it to be. The Bruins racked up 82 PIM and took a 4-1 loss to the Hurricanes. That was the second loss to Carolina in just three games played. Anthony Stewart and Joni Pitkanen each picked up a goal and each had a goal in the first game against the Bruins as well. The B’s had a chance to get back into the game halfway through the third period when forward Rich Peverley cut Carolina’s lead in half with a goal on the power play. However, some untimely penalties to Nathan Horton and Zdeno Chara likely cost the Bruins the game.
Storyline: Phil Kessel. That name has shown up around in Boston like a bad penny—it just won’t go away. Whether it was the deal to Toronto that allowed the Bruins to pick up the No. 2 overall draft pick Tyler Seguin, or the comments Kessel evidently made about wanting to leave Boston, his name has been dragged through mud by many Boston hockey enthusiasts.
But it seems the joke is on them.
Kessel enters tonight’s game as the top scorer in the NHL with six goals so far this season and nine points total. He resides on the top team in the division, the Toronto Maple Leafs, who currently sit just a point ahead of the Buffalo Sabres in the standings. Even with the fiasco that unfolded at TD Garden on Tuesday, NHL talks have been about Kessel and his accomplishments so far this season.
As for the Bruins, the lines have been completely revamped, and it’s going to be interesting to see how they all gel together. Tyler Seguin presumably joins the top line with Milan Lucic and Chris Kelly (if David Krejci does not come back for the game.) Nathan Horton has dropped from the first line and placed with Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand--a line that could really benefit from Horton if he decides to come out and play.
Players To Watch: All of the above. It’s impossible to point out any one person (besides Kessel) to watch for this game. With the way things have been mixed up, all it might take is this quick jarr to kick start any player’s game. We can assume Tim Thomas will be in net for the Bruins and he has been notoriously good against Kessel’s shot. And of course, be wary if any Bruins are returning for this game. Steven Kampfer was cleared for contact and is considered a game time decision, along with David Krejci. Adam McQuaid seemed to have a setback in his recovery, so he’s still considered day-to-day.
Prediction: It’s going to be a close game. If these new lines forge together like they are supposed to, the first two lines especially are going to be dangerous. However, remember Dion Phaneuf stands between them and the goal, and he’s not a small guy. Maple Leafs, who are 4-0-1 this season will continue their season success at TD Garden. Final Score: Maple Leafs 3, Bruins 2.
Date/Time: Thursday, October 20, 2011 - 7 p.m. EDT.
Location: TD Garden (Capacity: 17,565), Boston, MA.
Broadcast Info: Tuesday's game between the Bruins and Maple Leafs will be broadcast live on NESN. The game can also be heard on the 98.5 the Sports Hub Radio Network, with Dave Goucher providing play-by-play, and Bob Beers providing analysis.
Last Time Out: Anyone who saw last game knows how unforgettable it was—or how forgettable they wanted it to be. The Bruins racked up 82 PIM and took a 4-1 loss to the Hurricanes. That was the second loss to Carolina in just three games played. Anthony Stewart and Joni Pitkanen each picked up a goal and each had a goal in the first game against the Bruins as well. The B’s had a chance to get back into the game halfway through the third period when forward Rich Peverley cut Carolina’s lead in half with a goal on the power play. However, some untimely penalties to Nathan Horton and Zdeno Chara likely cost the Bruins the game.
Storyline: Phil Kessel. That name has shown up around in Boston like a bad penny—it just won’t go away. Whether it was the deal to Toronto that allowed the Bruins to pick up the No. 2 overall draft pick Tyler Seguin, or the comments Kessel evidently made about wanting to leave Boston, his name has been dragged through mud by many Boston hockey enthusiasts.
But it seems the joke is on them.
Kessel enters tonight’s game as the top scorer in the NHL with six goals so far this season and nine points total. He resides on the top team in the division, the Toronto Maple Leafs, who currently sit just a point ahead of the Buffalo Sabres in the standings. Even with the fiasco that unfolded at TD Garden on Tuesday, NHL talks have been about Kessel and his accomplishments so far this season.
As for the Bruins, the lines have been completely revamped, and it’s going to be interesting to see how they all gel together. Tyler Seguin presumably joins the top line with Milan Lucic and Chris Kelly (if David Krejci does not come back for the game.) Nathan Horton has dropped from the first line and placed with Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand--a line that could really benefit from Horton if he decides to come out and play.
Players To Watch: All of the above. It’s impossible to point out any one person (besides Kessel) to watch for this game. With the way things have been mixed up, all it might take is this quick jarr to kick start any player’s game. We can assume Tim Thomas will be in net for the Bruins and he has been notoriously good against Kessel’s shot. And of course, be wary if any Bruins are returning for this game. Steven Kampfer was cleared for contact and is considered a game time decision, along with David Krejci. Adam McQuaid seemed to have a setback in his recovery, so he’s still considered day-to-day.
Prediction: It’s going to be a close game. If these new lines forge together like they are supposed to, the first two lines especially are going to be dangerous. However, remember Dion Phaneuf stands between them and the goal, and he’s not a small guy. Maple Leafs, who are 4-0-1 this season will continue their season success at TD Garden. Final Score: Maple Leafs 3, Bruins 2.