The Bruins were long overdue for another win at TD Garden, since their only one of the season came back on October 27 vs. Arizona (a 6-0 blowout). Detroit (8-8-1) had lost to San Jose 3-2 on Friday night in Motown then flew here late last night. They played like a team that was in the second half of a back-to-back as Boston (8-7-1) built a 3-0 lead in the second period and held on for a satisfying 3-1 victory.
The Red Wings only managed five shots on goal in the first period and eight in the second before Justin Abdelkader's power-play goal at 6:37 of the third period breathed some life into them. See, he was totally worth that insane seven-year deal! Tuukka Rask (22 saves) earned the No. 1 star of the game and he looked like himself, something which has rarely been this case so far this season at the Garden. Boston dominated in the first period with nothing to show for it but the second was their best frame at home this season and possibly overall as well.
It was the first time in nine games that Boston's top-ranked power-play didn't score a goal but that's not a bad thing since they'll need to be stronger 5-on-5 to get anywhere notable. Patrice Bergeron made it 1-0 at 7:18 of the first period by following up his own rebound and tapping it in. Red Wings goaltender Petr Mrazek (28 saves) stopped the inital shot but lost track of the puck which hilariously looped over him. Bergeron's sixth goal of the season was assisted by Matt Beleskey and Zdeno Chara.
David Krejci had slowed down a bit from his torrid start but he reminded us of how great he is with a slick move to cut around Detroit defenseman Jakub Kindl then shoot against the grain while Mrazek slid the other way at 11:10. His team-leading eighth goal of the season (he has points in 12 of 16 games) was assisted by Loui Eriksson and Zach Trotman (1st assist of the season).
Torey Krug surprisingly hadn't scored a goal in 2015-16, that is until tonight. You know that had to be extra enjoyable for the Michigan State alum and Michigan native. He was the recipient of a pretty backhand feed by Brad Marchand, that came on a 2-on-1 at 17:00 with Kevan Miller picking up the second assist. Detroit has made the playoffs in 24 straight seasons which is incredible but this might be the year that it finally ends because they are very average (for them).
Boston has three more games left on the this season-high five-game homestand so performances like this are just what Dr. Claude ordered. They host the Sharks (9-8-0) on Tuesday (7, NESN) as Joe Thornton returns to Boston for the millionth time. Patrick Marleau is reportedly on the trade block so the B's could get an up close look at a very good veteran winger who would certainly help their offense (when it inevitably slows down from this overachieving pace).
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