B's goaltender Tuukka Rask (12-8-2) has returned from his personal abyss earlier this campaign as he posted his first shutout with 24 mostly routine saves. This seems to follow his usual routine of early-season struggles followed by returning to form in the middle of the calendar. Now, the B's hope that he can play better down the stretch than he normally does. It was another big game for Boston's special teams unit as their power-play (currently ranked 4th in the NHL) continues to dominate. They scored two power-play goals and the penalty kill unit went a perfect 3-for-3. They are 12th in the league but continue to show signs of improvement.
Hockey players always talk about bounces and for this game, they all went Boston's way as they scored what many would call a trio of fluky tallies. Danton Heinen decided to appear for once and he scored his first goal in nearly a month (Dec. 11 vs. Arizona). He tipped in John Moore's shot at 5:23 for his fifth goal of the season with Torey Krug picking up the second assist. Brad Marchand made it 2-0 Bruins at 11:29 as Patrice Bergeron's shot caromed off the back boards right to him. You also must give Marchand credit for getting the shot off while multiple Wild swarmed him. Moore had the second assist (his 1st career multi-point game as a Bruin) on Marchand's 16th goal of the season. Boston had an abbreviated power play late in the first and they cashed in as Bergy's shot that was going wide of the net once again went off Jake DeBrusk's chest (think of a soccer player) and by the immortal Alex Stalock (23 saves). DeBrusk's 14th goal of the season was also assisted by Marchand-his 30th of the season.
There was one last weird goal that went the black and gold's way as Marchand's pass to Bergeron during a second period power play went in off his skate. It wasn't on purpose so Minnesota head coach Bruce Boudreau didn't even see a reason to challenge it. This was the 14th multi-point game of the season for Marchand, 12th for Bergeron and seventh for Krug. Rask's shutout was the 42nd of his long NHL career plus it was also his 250th win. It took 23 games but Boston finally notched a goose egg vs. Minnesota, leaving Nashville and Vegas as the only other active clubs that they have not shut out yet.
This win-streak and all the good feelings around the team gets put to the test on Thursday (7, NESN) as the defending champs-the Capitals (26-12-4)-are here for what looks like a huge tilt. Washington has completely owned Boston for years and who could forget the embarrassing 7-0 beating that they threw the B's back on Opening Night (Oct. 3)? Thus far there has been no Stanley Cup hangover for the Caps who lead the Metropolitan Division and are tied with Toronto (27-13-2) for the second most points in the Eastern Conference.
It's a fitting way to close out what has been a wildly successful homestand for the Bruins (3-0). Head coach Bruce Cassidy wouldn't commit to a starter vs. Washington but he sounded like he was leaning towards Jaroslav Halak (13-6-2) who last played on Thursday and hasn't started against the Capitals as a Bruin. Defenseman Charlie McAvoy is expected to skate with the team instead of on his own tomorrow, another step closer to his eventual return to action. He and Joakim Nordstrom (broken leg) are the only Bruins regulars that are out at the moment, therefore they are mercifully close to that elusive full lineup that we all dream about.
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