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Post-Game Breakdown: Late Pouliot goal lifts B’s over Devils
Final: Boston 4, New Jersey 3
Recap: After a scoreless and painfully boring first period, the Bruins and Devils each got on the board in the second period. David Clarkson’s power-play strike and Chris Kelly’s goal four minutes later sent the two teams tied 1-1 into the third.
Boston took their first lead of the night just six seconds in as Brad Marchand streaked in and beat Johan Hedberg to make it 2-1. But the Devils were resilient. Nick Palmieri knotted thing up twice in the frame, including after Shawn Thornton’s first of the year put the B’s up 3-2.
But with just 3:01 remaining, the Bruins secured the lead for good as Benoit Pouliot buried his second of the year to make it 4-3. The Devils put on one wild attack in the final minute but couldn’t squeeze anything past Thomas.
Records: Boston 9-7-0, 18 points; New Jersey 8-7-1, 17 points
Key Play of the Game: Boston’s third goal of the night might not have been the game-winner but it was greatly important and a thing of beauty. Greg Campbell flung the puck out front and Jordan Caron made a sweet redirection through his legs that found its way to Shawn Thornton. Thornton promptly buried the loose biscuit.
Connolly’s Commendations: This win turned out to be a great night for the fourth line. Campbell had two assists, Thornton had a goal and Jordan Caron had a beautiful helper. Campbell also led the B’s with a plus-2 rating.
It was another gem of a performance for Brad Marchand. The scrappy winger buried his fourth goal in three games and finished the night with a game-high five hits.
How about Patrice Bergeron’s continued domination at the dot? The center took 33 — thirty three! — faceoffs tonight and won 24 of them. Amazing.
Connolly’s Critiques: Maybe a few Bruins could have had more of an impact, and there was a pretty astoundingly slow start to this contest, but tonight we’ll say everyone is free from being critiqued.
Notes: The B’s have now outscored their opponents 34-13 during their six-game winning streak. Jordan Caron now has three points in the last four games. The B’s are now 5-5-0 when allowing the first goal.
Final Thoughts: What started out as a snoozer actually turned out to be a pretty exciting hockey game to take in. The back-and-forth third period battle saw both teams display great resolve, with Boston ultimately finishing on top and earning win No. 6 in a row.
Next: The Bruins will close out their five-game homestand when they take on the Blue Jackets.
