By: Liz Rizzo | Follow me on Twitter @pastagrl88
Butch Cassidy and the Comeback Kids made it four straight games won from behind as they topped the Philadelphia Flyers 2-1. In an evenly matched-up game between the division’s top two teams, the Bruins once again found themselves down by a goal and are seemingly becoming that third-period team. Safe to say that with this group, the game ain’t over till it’s over.
GAME BREAKDOWN
The Bruins opened up the first period with a quick jump and bounce reminiscent of Thursday’s night game against the Flyers. Boston’s defense in the first few minutes continued to chip away as they stayed on Philly’s doorstep. The Flyers placed some pressure making it hard for the Bruins to clear their own zone. Some early good looks came the way of Boston as they forced Philly’s Carter Hart to make an early timely save.
Unfortunately, Brandon Carlo would be called on a holding call, giving Philly their first power-play of the night. Despite the man-advantage, the Flyers were unable to break through as the Bruins killed off the penalty. Both teams had limited shots on goal. Boston would draw their first penalty of the night almost halfway through the period but were only able to muster two shots on goal. The Bruins had a real close call on net as the Flyers forced Tuukka Rask to make a quick save.
Tempers flared as Connor Clifton threw some knuckles against Nicolas Aube-Kubel after a hit along the boards. Both men would be sent to the box as the game continued five-on-five. Moments later, additional players from both teams would be called on penalties leading to four-on-four action. But it would be short-lived as Boston would be called on a high-sticking penalty, giving the advantage to the Flyers for four-on-three gameplay. With 19 seconds left to their initial penalty, the Bruins would once again get called for a hooking penalty (four players total on the bench).
As time expired on the Bruins’ first penalty, the Flyers would be on the five-on-four man advantage. Boston worked overtime to quiet down Philly’s power-play as Rask continued to block shots, killing the penalty. No score at the end of the period.
SCORE AT THE END OF THE FIRST: BOS-0, PHI-0
SHOTS ON GOAL: BOS-5, PHI-7
In the early minute of the second, the Boston Bruins had multiple missed scoring chances. Philly would have their own missed opportunity on Boston’s net however, Rask was there for the stick save. Continued pressure from both sides, however, neither end were able to make any plays.
With a little over five minutes left to the period, Boston would draw a penalty but were unable to score. Unfortunately, Philly’s Joel Farabee (fresh out of the penalty box) would be awarded a penalty shot after a hooking call on a potential breakaway. Luckily for Boston, Rask denied the shot. The Bruins would pepper the Flyers net in the last minute of the period but were unable to tally any shots. Boston’s Chris Wagner was called for roughing penalty towards the end of the period which led to Philly opening up the third with the man advantage.
SCORE AT THE END OF THE SECOND: BOS-0, PHI-0
SHOTS ON GOAL: BOS-8, PHI-4
In the opening moments of the final period, the Flyers would get on the board first as James Van Riemsdyk tipped one in past Rask, making it 1-0. Puck handling continued to be an issue as the Bruins were unable to connect, however, the hockey gods would answer their prayers. After an intensified scramble in front of the Flyers net, Boston’s Brad Marchand was able to get the puck in, tying the game 1-1. Seconds later Sean Kuraly would slap one past the glove side of Carter Hart, making it a 2-1 game.
With a little over three minutes left to the period, Bruins forward Craig Smith would be called on a tripping penalty against Jakub Voracek. There were dangerous looks from the Flyers as they aggressively skated in the Bruins zone. Philly would have an empty net in the final two minutes of the game for the extra skater but luckily Boston would hold on to win 2-1. The Bruins are now 8-1-2 and are first in the MASSMUTUAL EAST Division.
FINAL SCORE: BOS-2, PHI-1
TOTAL SHOTS ON GOAL: BOS-23, PHI- 24
NEXT GAME: Wednesday, February 10th against New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden with puck drop at 7:00 pm. NBCSN
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