Event: Boston Bruins vs. San Jose Sharks
Date/Time: Saturday, October 22, 2011 - 7 p.m. EDT.
Location: TD Garden (Capacity: 17,565), Boston, MA.
Broadcast Info: Saturday's game between the Bruins and Sharks 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: Six different Bruins recorded goals against the Toronto Maple Leafs in their 6-2 win on Thursday. The Bruins snapped Toronto’s unbeaten streak as well as Phil Kessel’s five-game point streak. Shawn Thornton started the night off with his first fighting major of the year, and that seemed to spark the B’s the whole game. Claude Julien’s revamped lines also created the offense that was lacking the first five games. David Krejci made his return to the lineup, as well as defenseman Steven Kampfer.
Storyline: The obvious story line is the return of Joe Thornton to Boston. Along with his return to Beantown comes the return of the "what trading him away has done for the Bruins" posts. Thornton said earlier today in the morning skate, that after San Jose was knocked out of the playoffs, he was cheering on the Bruins.
But on the ice, the kind words disappear. Both teams are looking for their first consecutive back-to-back win this season, and it’s not going to be easy for either team.
The Sharks just came off a win last night against the New Jersey Devils, and a 4-3 shootout victory. Joe Pavelski netted the tying goal, and Ryan Clowe’s goal earned them the two points and a much needed win heading into Boston.
The Bruins haven’t played since Thursday, and this will be the second game in a row where they will play a team that played the night before.
Players To Watch: Joe Thornton will obviously be in everyone’s scope. He just participated in his 1000th NHL game last night, and him coming back to Boston is always a little bit of a homecoming. Joe Pavelski and Logan Couture always make an impact and will test the Bruins defense early and often.
For the Bruins, Tim Thomas will be someone to keep an eye on. With Couture still without a goal this season, he will be hungry, and going up against an equally frustrated team might make him that much hungrier.
Prediction: This one will be close. Antti Niemi will undoubtedly be on his game, but in the end it comes down to rest. I think the Sharks will come out a little tired after last night’s late game and the Bruins will take full advantage of that. Final Score: Bruins 3, Sharks 1.
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