The 2012 All-Star Game in Ottawa was dominated by the Boston Bruins aka Team Chara. Critics of the B's like to point out that they can only play a physical, on the edge sort of style but I wonder what those same clowns were saying today?
Team Chara beat Team Alfredsson 12-9 at Scottiabank Place thanks to Zdeno Chara's game-winning goal plus Tim Thomas' (18 saves) outstanding third period. To top it off, Tyler Seguin had a nifty assist on Joffrey Lupul's goal that made it 12-9.
So in other words, when the game was in the balance (6-6 after 2 periods), the Bruins players stepped up when it counted the most. Sounds familiar, right?
At least the NHL understands what All-Star weekend is all about: selling the product. It's laughable that MLB determines home-field in the World Series by who wins a glorified scrimmage in the middle of the summer. With that in mind, the NHL did everything in its power (Twitter, microphones, cameras everywhere) these last few days to promote this great sport.
Chara was +7 with three shots, Thomas won his record fourth straight All-Star game and Seguin had three shots in what should be his first of many All-Star game appearances.
Despite the lack of hits (ie. none), penalties (zero) or defensive intensity, the B's players didn't seem to skip a beat. Thankfully though after this fun weekend, the Bruins get back to the real stuff starting on Tuesday at TD Garden against the Senators.
There are only 35 games left in the regular season and Boston enters the second half firmly in second place in the Eastern Conference and first in the Northeast Division. They begin with three games in Boston (Ottawa, Carolina, Pittsburgh).
Chara, Thomas and Seguin probably didn't get much time to relax but hopefully the rest of the B's have enjoyed their break and will return energized and ready to make another deep playoff run this spring.
Tweet
Follow @RichSlate
No comments:
Post a Comment