Just seconds after Bruins forward Nathan Horton exited the penalty box after taking a holding penalty two minutes into the new frame, Patrice Bergeron netted his eighth goal of the season to give the Bruins a 3-1 lead. His breakaway fooled everyone including Marty Brodeur, and it gave the Bruins a little assurance at the get go.
The Devils were unable to answer in that period, though they managed seven shots on Tim Thomas. Both teams had a number of penalties as well, though the Bruins have shown to be the more impressive team in that aspect. In fact, the Devils have given up 12 shorthanded goals this year, despite being the best penalty kill in the league.
The Bruins only put up eight shots on Brodeur, but looked good in their own zone. Ilya Kovalchuk has three shots on net so far this game, but sits at a zero plus-minus rating--a stat that has struck many players on the Devils team.