By: Joe Todd | Follow me on Twitter @heyjoetodd
The Boston Bruins returned from All-Star Weekend to face off against their Black N’ Gold rivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins. Jeremy Swayman got the start in his first game back since being sent down to Providence. The Bruins came out in the first period looking energized and well-rested. Especially David Pastrnak, who continued his hot streak with two goals tonight. However, the Bruins would let up on the gas and allow four unanswered goals to lose the game 4-2. These are the talking points from the game that was.
Black N’ Goalies
It appears the time in Providence was not beneficial for Jeremy Swayman. He made a timely save on Guentzel to keep the game at 2 – 0 after a solid first period where he looked composed and steady. However, in the second, there wasn’t much he could do on Heinen’s first goal, who made a great move off a great feed from McGinn. But the second Heinen goal was one that kills your team, a low percentage shot off the wall that he could not control.
On the Crosby goal, Swayman was beat twice. He overcommits to the shot, allowing a tap-in that should have been from Rust. As the play continued, the puck found its way to Crosby, who elevated the puck above Swayman. Swayman needs to be a little taller in his net.
At the other end, the Bruins attacked the glove side of Jarry in the first period, and for good reason. Jarry was blamed by Penguins fans last year for their early playoff exit by the hand of the Islanders. More specifically, Jarry allowed roughly 85% of his goals against on the glove side. Tonight, pucks popped out of his glove resulting in unnecessary rebounds, evidenced specifically on Pastrnak’s second goal.
Jarry would settle in after the first and stop 43/45 shots. He would shut this writer up after a great glove save on Nosek late in the third.
Cassidy’s doghouse
Danton Heinen made his return to TD Garden for the first time since he was traded to Anaheim for Nick Ritchie. He has found a home in Pittsburgh, scoring 11 goals (including two tonight) and nine assists in 40 games while being a threat at both ends of the ice. Heinen, like DeBrusk, was another player that found himself in and out of the lineup with consistency issues and was ultimately traded away.
That is why there seemed to be something poetic about Heinen and DeBrusk lining up side by side after Heinen’s first goal. It looked like the two of them were talking…I wonder what they talked about?
DeBrusk: “Hey man, nice goal. Glad you got out.”
Heinen: “Thanks, bud. Hope you’ll get traded soon.”
DeBrusk: “Me too, Heinz….me too.”
DeBrusk continued to drive his trade value up tonight with four shots on goal, including one off the crossbar. I did not mind DeBrusk’s penalty in the first period. While an offensive zone penalty is normally an issue, his hooking penalty showed that he was hustling a little harder. He wanted the puck back after his rush chance, and while he was caught by the referee, the effort was there to cheat.
Todd’s and Ends
Sometimes I forget that Coyle has a nice pair of hands. I would love to see him get a little more creative, the way Marchand was able to be when Cassidy took over.
Reilly had an excellent game tonight. He looked like he knew that Bruins fans wanted him traded to make way for Chychrun. He made excellent outlet passes and joined the attack consistently.
The first line was unbelievable tonight. It was as if they were never out of the offensive zone. Their passes found each other all over the ice. While I think the Bruins need to acquire another RW so Coyle can play with Smith, it is hard to deny the results of Marchand – Bergeron – Smith, especially when paired with Grzelyck – McAvoy.
Let us all pray to Saint Patrice that Bergeron is okay after falling awkwardly into the boards.
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