Capitals vs. Bruins Round One Matchup

The Boston Bruins enter the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs as the number three seed, with a first round matchup against the number two seed Washington Capitals. In the regular season, both teams were tied with five games a piece against each other. Both teams have the physicality and skill to push this series to a full seven game battle. With the Bruins new acquisitions of Taylor Hall, Curtis Lazar and Mike Reilly and the Capitals addition of Michael Raffl and Anthony Mantha before the trade deadline, this wasn’t going to be an easy four game sweep.

Game One Review: Capitals (3)-Bruins (2) (OT) (0-1 Caps)

Game one between these teams saw a Washington Capitals OT victory. Tom Wilson opened the scoring in the first period, with assists from Oshie and Sprong. Brenden Dillon scored in the second period with assists from Mantha and Ovechkin. Nic Dowd scored the OT winner with assists by Oshie and Wilson. Jake DeBrusk opened the scoring for Boston with a Curtis Lazar assist, and Nick Ritchie scored with assists from Pastrnak and McAvoy. Tuukka Rask made 23 saves on 26 shots, while the Capitals goaltender Craig Anderson made 21 saves in relief of starting goalie Vitek Vanecek who was injured on DeBrusk’s goal in the first period.

Game Two Review: Capitals (3)-Bruins (4) (OT) (1-1 tied)

Game two between the teams once again went into overtime, but with the Bruins coming out on top. DeBrusk opened the scoring with assists from Coyle and Ritchie. Bergeron scored with an assist from Pastrnak, and Hall tying the game late to force OT with assists from Smith and Grzelcyk. Marchand would score 39 seconds into OT with assists from Grzelcyk and Krejci. For Washington, Oshie scored first with assists by Ovechkin and Carlson, and Hathaway scoring two goals. Tuukka Rask stopped 45 of 48 shots for the win.

Game Three Review: Capitals (2)-Bruins (3)(OT2)(2-1 Bruins)

Game three went into double OT, with the Boston Bruins pulling away with a 2-1 series lead. Ovechkin opened the scoring with an assist from Mantha, and Dowd scored in the second with an assist from Hathaway. Taylor Hall scored with assists from Smith and Miller, with Marchand scoring in the third to force OT then OT2 with assists from Bergeron and McAvoy. In double OT, Craig Smith scored on an unfortunate miss play by Samsonov to Schultz which gave the Bruins the win. Rask stopped 35 of 37 shots on goal.

Game Four Review: Capitals (1)-Bruins (4) (3-1 Bruins)

Game four saw the first regulation win in this series. The Boston Bruins won by a score of 4-1, taking a 3-1 series lead. This win also pushed Tuukka Rask into first place for playoff victories in Bruins history. Marchand opened the scoring in the second period with assists from Pastrnak and McAvoy. Pastrnak gets his first of the series with assists from McAvoy and Krejci. Coyle scored pretty soon after with assists from DeBrusk and Ritchie. Grzelcyk scored the game winner with assists from McAvoy and Hall. Ovechkin’s slap shot was redirected by Carlo’s stick, with assists given to Carlson and Backstrom. Rask stopped 36 of 37 shots on net. Kevan Miller was taken out of the game early in the second by a late hit from Dmitry Orlov. Orlov was only assessed a double minor roughing penalty for the hit, in which he left his feet and targeted Miller’s head. Miller had to stay overnight in the hospital and was released Sunday morning. Jarred Tinordi has been inserted into the lineup in Millers place.

Game Five Review: Capitals (1)-Bruins(3) (4-1 Bruins)

Game five saw the Boston Bruins win their first round series against the Washington Capitals. David Pastrnak opened the scoring in the second on a beautiful goal sequence, with an assist from Mike Reilly. Bergeron put up two goals with assists from Reilly and Pastrnak. Conor Sheary had the Caps lone goal with assists from Oshie and Orlov. Tuukka Rask stopped 40 of 41 shots on goal. The Bruins now have at least a week off as they prepare to face the winner of the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Islanders series. That series is tied at two games.

Until Next Time

~RJL

B’s doing the impastable

Since coming back from hip surgery in the off season, David Pastrnak is picking up right where he left off last season. He finished last season tied with Alexander Ovechkin for most goals in the season with 48 goals, which made him the first Bruins player to win the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy since the trophy was created in 1999.

In the four games Pasta has played in this season, he has five goals and three assists for a total of eight points. This included a hat trick in a 4-3 OT win over the Philadelphia Flyers on February 3rd, as well as an assist on Bergeron’s OT winner.

The father to be has helped the Bruins stay on top of the new Massmutual division, with the B’s tied with the Flyers with 18 points. Overall, the Boston Bruins are second in the league, trailing only the Toronto Maple Leafs who have 19 points.

The 24 year old star winger signed a six year contract with the Boston Bruins in 2017, with a total value of $40,000,000 and a yearly value of $6,666,667. He will be 28 years old when his contract expires in 2023-24.

David Pastrnak and the Boston Bruins (8-1-2) next face the New York Rangers (4-4-2) on Wednesday February 10th at 7pm at MSG.

Until Next Time

~RJ

Meet Jack Studnicka, the toothless wonder

When the Bruins hosted the Philadelphia Flyers for their home season opener on January 21st, they hadn’t score a 5v5 goal in the young season. Enter Jack Studnicka, the Bruins 53rd overall pick in the 2017 draft.

The six foot one inch centre has been playing in the AHL for the past two seasons, scoring 23 goals last season in 60 games. Studnicka played junior hockey and was the captain with the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League from 2015 to 2019. Primarily a centre, Studnicka can also draw into a right winger role, as the Bruins have centre depth. His scouting report highlighted all of his great assets, like offering plenty of scoring ability and having a good sized frame, but said he needed to work on being more consistent with his game. The 21 year old earned his first NHL point on an assist in 2019, but was still looking for his first NHL goal.

On opening night, he drew into the Bruins second line on Krejci’s right wing, with Nick Ritchie on the left wing. Going into the third period, down 2-0, Bruce Cassidy sent out the Krejci line to start the third period. Not even a minute into the third, Jack Studnicka got the Bruins on the board. David Krejci and Nick Ritchie earned as assist each, as Studnick scored on a pass from Krejci. This was not only his first NHL goal, but the Bruins first 5v5 goal of the season.

This goal was the start of a four goal comeback in the third period (where have we heard that before?). The Boston Bruins won in a shootout, with Jake DeBrusk scoring the nasty game winner. The Bruins face the Flyers again tonight at 7pm at TD Garden, as well as six other times this season. This isn’t the last time we will hear of Jack Studnicka, as David Pastrnak is out until mid-February and Studnicka will continue to draw into the lineup in his place.

Until Next Time

~ RJ

#22 To The Rafters

In 1958, Willie O’Ree broke barriers and became the first black player to compete in an NHL game. 63 years later, his number 22 will be retired into the TD Garden rafters. Even though O’Ree played 42 NHL games for the Boston Bruins, scoring a total of 14 points in his NHL career, his legacy still continues today.  This season, the Boston Bruins will add two emblems to their helmets: one to honor Travis Roy and his legacy and one to honor Willie O’Ree and his commitment to equality. 

Hockey players either choose random numbers or numbers that mean something to them when entering the league. What does the number 22 signify? According to numerologists, 22 is considered one of the most powerful numbers, as it is a number of precision and balance. The number two symbolizes duality, balance, adaptability, insight and selflessness.

O’Ree’s importance to the NHL deeply influenced later players. Joel Ward named O’Ree as one of his inspirations and voiced his opinion that the number 22 should be retired league wide, like Jackie Robinson’s in the MLB. Madison Bowey had been taught by his Black Canadien father about O’Ree’s importance and had selected the number 22 in honor of Wille O’Ree. 

With his number being retired soon, Willie O’Ree joins players like Eddie Shore, Bobby Orr, Phil Esposito, Terry O’Reilly and Ray Bourque in having their number retired by the Boston Bruins. 

Other Boston Bruins who have worn the number 22:

  • Ed Kryzanowski (1951)
  • Bill Ezinicki (1952) 
  • Joe Klukay (1953-55)
  • Norm Corcoran (1953-55)
  • Floyd Smith (1955-57)
  • Ed Panagabko (1956-57
  • Dick Cherry (1957)
  • Willie O’Ree (1958-1961)
  • Larry Hillman (1958-1960)
  • Dick Meissner (1960-62)
  • Irv Spencer (1963)
  • Bill Knibbs (1965)
  • Bob Dillabough (1966-67)
  • Jim Lorentz (1969-70)
  • Grant Erickson (1969)
  • Bill Lesuk (1969)
  • Tom Webster (1969)
  • Ivan Boldirev (1971-72)
  • Chris Oddleifson (1973-74)
  • Rick Adduono (1976)
  • Brad Park (1976-83)
  • Mike Gillis (1984)
  • Butch Goring (1985)
  • Michael Thelven (1986-1990)
  • Bob Beers (1992)
  • Jozef Stumpel (1993-95)
  • Rick Tocchet (1996-97)
  • Ken Baumgartner (1998-99)
  • Mikko Eloranta (2000-2002)
  • Dennis Bonvie (2002)
  • Michal Grosek (2003-2004)
  • Brian Leetch (2006)
  • Shean Donovan (2007)
  • Shawn Thornton (2008-2014)
  • Peter Cehlarik (2019-2020)
  • Craig Smith (2021) (changed to #12)

Congratulations Willie O”Ree, hopefully your story and legacy continue to inspire others.

Until Next Time

~RJ

Big Zee: An End of An Era

For 14 seasons, the big bad Bruins have been lead by a six foot nine beast, Zdeno Chara. The 43 year old defenseman has signed with the Washington Capitals on a one year deal, worth $795,000. The Bruins did offer him a contract, but it was as a seventh defenseman, in a more reduced role. Winning the Cup in 2011, and reaching the Cup Finals three times, Chara is still hungry for more. His role on the Capitals will likely have him playing on their third defensive pair and on the penalty kill, providing his veteran leadership.

In a Zoom chat, Chara said that “I still have gas, and I still want to go out there and do my thing” and that he didn’t want any regrets by not trying to prove it.

Joining the Bruins in July 2006, the big man signed a five year deal. He was named captain of the squad the same season, taking over for Joe Thornton who was traded to the Sharks. Over the next 14 seasons, Zdeno Chara lead the Bruins to a 2011 Stanley Cup win, an appearance in the Cup Finals in 2013 and 2019, as well as holding the record for hardest shot with a stunning 108.8mph, winning the Norris trophy in 2009, Mark Messier Leadership award in 2011, and was introduced to the IIHF All-time Slovakia Team in 2020.

Regular SeasonDuring Playoffs
Games Played: 1,022Games Played: 150
Goals: 148Goals: 15
Assists: 368Assists: 41
Points: 481Points: 56
Penalties in minutes: 1,055Penalties in minutes: 159
Zdeno Chara Boston Bruins Total after 14 seasons

With Chara now gone, the longest tenured Bruin defenseman is Kevan Miller, arriving in 2011. Miller has been injury riddled the last few seasons, and his status for the upcoming season is unknown. The second longest tenured Bruin defenseman is Matt Grzelcyk, who arrived in 2012. By losing both Torey Krug and Zdeno Chara, the Bruins lost two veteran defensemen who could help shape and mold an upcoming younger team.

Thank you Zdeno Chara, for all of my hockey life you have been the face of the Boston Bruins I know and love. You didn’t stand for any kind of “rookie hazing” and learned multiple languages so that you could communicate with new teammates and make them feel at home. I will still root for you, as the Washington Capitals will play against the Boston Bruins eight times this upcoming season. I wish you got your storybook ending, going out on top with the Bruins but hopefully we will see you with the Bruins in the future. Lastly, thank you for mentoring players into future leaders, and assuming the Bruins will upgrade Patrice Bergeron to the next captain, you’ve done an amazing job co-leading with him.

Do you think the Bruins will retire #33? Let me know in the comments!

Until Next Time

~RJ

The Boys Are Back!

Since losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning , the eventual Stanley Cup Champions, in five games in late August, Bruins fans have long awaited the new season. After parting ways with Torey Krug, Joakim Nordstrom and the addition of Craig Smith and Gregg McKegg in free agency, the 2020 Bruins roster has been shaken up. After months of waiting, the NHL has agreed on a 56 game season starting on January 13th and running until May 8th. The Stanley Cup Playoffs would include 16 teams and conclude mid July, with the 2021-22 season starting up in October. With COVID-19 still present, some teams have already announced that they will not be hosting any fans, and the divisions have been scrambled around to prevent travel, such as an all Canadian division.

What does this mean for the Boston Bruins?

According to the new plan for this season, the Boston Bruins will play all other teams in the new East division eight times. Tampa Bay has moved to the new Central division for this season, which might take away some grittiness within the East division. With this move, I think the old Bruins/Rangers rivalry will be renewed, with a an addition of a new rivalry with Philly. With Zdeno Chara questionable to return for this new season, who will fill his spot and Krugs vacant spot? While the B’s have talented left defense, like Zboril, Lauzon and Vaakanainen, only time will tell who will step up to fill the roles needed.

Incoming: Craig Smith and Greg McKegg

Craig Smith is a right winger, who previously played for the Nashville Predators since being drafted by them 98th overall in 2009. The six foot one, Wisconsin native was described as having excellent skating ability, and has some versatility, but also has some inconsistency in his game and needs to work more on defense. The B’s signed the 31 year old to a three year deal, which pays him $3,100,000 under the cap for the next three years.

Greg McKegg is a centre, who most recently played for the New York Rangers. Drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs 62nd overall in 2010, McKegg has bounced around teams in the league. The six foot Ontario native was described as a very good playmaker at lower levels, like AHL, displays some two-way ability, but must get stronger in order to play at an NHL level. The 28 year old can be a depth forward for the Bruins, with the B’s signing him to a one year, two way contract.

How will the Bruins bounce back for last seasons second round exit? Let me know in the comments below!

Until Next Time

~RJ

Bruins Defeat The Hurricanes in Game 5

The Boston Bruins beat the Carolina Hurricanes 2-1 and win the series 3-1, moving onto the second round. Last playoffs, the Bruins swept the Hurricanes to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals (where the Bruins lost in seven games to the St. Louis Blues, but yea let’s not talk about that). Let’s take a closer look at the series between the Canes and Bruins.

Game one started on August 12th at 11 a.m due to the Tampa Bay Lightning and Columbus Blue Jackets game going into FIVE overtime periods. Despite the setback and early start time, the Bruins won this game in double over time with a score of 4-3. Joakim Nordstrom was outstanding in this game, blocking shots and the fourth line started each period while getting the puck down in the Canes zone. David Pastrnak seemed to injure himself in the overtime celebration, which led to Anders Bjork sliding into his spot for the next couple of games. 

Game two was a close one, but ultimately the Carolina Hurricanes tied up the series with a win of 3-2. The Bruins seemed to play a more physical game, not being afraid to throw around their weight. Each team scored a power play goal in this game. 

Game three had the Bruins playing Jaro Halak, as Tuukka Rask left the bubble and opted out of the playoffs due to a family emergency. Halak and the Bruins cruised to a 3-1 win, taking a 2-1 series lead. Unfortunately the Hurricanes had to lose Andrei Svechnikov late in the third to an accidental tangle up with Zdeno Chara.

Game four had the Bruins winning 4-3, taking a 3-1 series lead and on the verge of eliminating the Hurricanes. The Bruins were still without David Pastrnak, and debuted some new lines at the start of the second period. 

New Lines

Marchand-Bergeron-Coyle

DeBrusk-Krejci-Kase

Bjork-Kuraly-Studnicka

Nordstrom-Lindholm-Wagner

All the defense pairings were still the same, with Cassidy wanting to try out some new lines to get some goals. The Bruins had an explosive third period comeback (stop me if you’ve heard that before) with four straight goals. Charlie McAvoy had an enormous hit on the Canes captain Jordan Staal, which sent Staal down the tunnel for the rest of the game. 

Game five was the clincher game for the Bruins as they won 2-1 and won the series 4-1. David Pastrnak came back into the lineup and had assists for both Bruin goals. The Boston Bruins move onto the second round of the 2020 NHL Playoffs and await to see who they play. 

Bruins Canes Series

Until Next Time

∼RJ

A Round Robin Review

Well, the Boston Bruins went 0-3-0 in the round robin and dropped from the 1 seed to the 4th seed and will face the Carolina Hurricanes in the official first round of the 2020 NHL Playoffs. Let’s look back at the three round robin games and break them down.

Game One: Lost to Flyers 4-1 

Bruin’s were off to a slow start, with choppy passes which didn’t connect. This was after an exhibition loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets (4-1). The Flyers won their exhibition game (4-0) over the St Louis Blues. Halak was in net and let in four goals on 29 shots, as Rask was not feeling well. This was also the only game in which Jack Studnicka played on Krejci’s LW, he was scratched in the two games after. While both teams had an equal amount of PIM, both teams killed penalties well. The Bruins had more giveaways, and less take aways. The Bruins only goal came from Chris Wagner in the second period, assisted by Nordstrom and McAvoy. The Bruins went from the number one seed to the fourth seed in their division, while the Flyers took the number one seed, winning all of their RR games. 

Lineup:

Brad Marchand – Patrice Bergeron – David Pastrnak 

Jake DeBrusk – David Krejci – Jack Studnicka 

Anders Bjork – Charlie Coyle – Karson Kuhlman

Joakim Nordstrom – Sean Kuraly – Chris Wagner

Zdeno Chara- Charlie McAvoy 

Torey Krug – Brandon Carlo 

Matt Grzelcyk – Jeremy Lauzon 

Jaroslav Halak 

Dan Vladar

Tuukka Rask (not feeling well) 

Game Two: Lost to the Lightning 3-1 

The Bruin’s played slightly better, but still lost to a Lighting team with out Steven Stamkos. The Bruins really came alive in the second period, even though Jake DeBrusk was playing on his off wing and not with Krejci but on Coyle’s line. The Lighting scored two goals in the first, with one coming on a PP for them. Krug got into a fight after a hit on Carlo by Blake Coleman. This game was filled with a lot of urgency and hard hits, as spilling over from the regular season. In the second, McAvoy scores, with assists from Krug and Bergeron. Nick Ritchie drew into the lineup for a more physical presence but still needs to work on adding scoring depth to the team. Tampa is reseeded to the number two seed, while Boston drops to number four seed. Rask let in three goals on 35 shots. 

Lineup:

Brad Marchand – Patrice Bergeron – David Pastrnak 

Nick Ritchie – David Krejci – Karson Kuhlman 

Anders Bjork – Charlie Coyle – Jake DeBrusk (on his off wing) (doesn’t look as good)

Joakim Nordstrom – Sean Kuraly – Chris Wagner

Zdeno Chara – Charlie McAvoy 

Torey Krug – Brandon Carlo 

Matt Grzelcyk – Jeremy Lauzon

Tuukka Rask

Jaroslav Halak

(Rask, Richie back, DeBrusk moved down)

 

Game Three: Lost to the Caps 2-1 

Finally, the Bruins were decent against the Capitals. The team needs more production from its top line, as Jake DeBrusk scored in the third period, with assists from Krejci and Kase. Kase makes his first appearance since mid March, on the second line with Krejci and DeBrusk. Both teams took 10 PIM and were 0/2 on the powerplay. The Bruins had more take aways, with 11 versus 7. Clifton subbed in for Grzelcyk, Kase for Kuhlman and Jake DeBrusk played on his correct LW. Rask let in two goals on 25 shots, although the first goal (scored by T.J. Oshie went off of Chara’s stick to Oshie). The Capitals take the number three seed, while Boston drops to the fourth seed.

Lineup:

Brad Marchand – Patrice Bergeron – David Pastrnak

Jake DeBrusk – David Krejci – Ondrej Kase

Nick Ritchie – Charlie Coyle – Anders Bjork 

Joakim Nordstrom – Sean Kuraly – Chris Wagner 

Zdeno Chara – Charlie McAvoy 

Torey Krug – Brandon Carlo 

Connor Clifton – Jeremy Lauzon 

Tuukka Rask

Jaroslav Halak 

(Clifton subs in for Grzelcyk, Kase for Kuhlman, JD on his CORRECT wing)

Looking ahead, the Bruins take on the Carolina Hurricanes, starting August 11th at 8pm. Let’s go Bruins.

Bruins Canes

Until Next Time

∼RJ

Providence Bruins to keep an eye on

Youth has powered the Boston Bruins in the past few seasons, so let’s look at some players from their AHL team, the Providence Bruins, who could be future Boston Bruins pretty soon.

Ryan Fitzgerald

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The five eleven, 185 pound forward was drafted by the Boston Bruins 120th overall in 2013. The forward played college hockey at Boston College, alternating playing center and right wing. The Florida native signed a two year entry contract with the Bruins in 2017. His NHL comparison is Derek Stepan, who has been described as an excellent playmaker. Fitzgerald’s scouting report described him as a solid second line forward, who excels on the powerplay, and can put up 50-60 points a season.

 

Jakub Lauko

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The six foot, 170 pound forward was drafted 77th overall in 2018 by the Boston Bruins. He won the 2019 Presidents Cup and Memorial Cup with the Rouyn Noranda Huskies of the QMJHL, playing center or left wing. He is a fast skater, with a big body playing strong defensive game. His NHL comparison is Reilly Smith, who has been described as a quality two-way winger. Lauko’s scouting report described him as a potential two player in the Bruin’s middle six, being very versatile.

 

Jakub Zboril

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The six two, 185 pound defenseman was drafted by the Boston Bruins 13th overall in 2015. He shows great agility, with a big frame not being afraid to hit. His NHL comparison is Keith Yandle, who has been described as having great offensive instincts, with great puck handling skills. Zboril’s scouting report described him as a talented, all around defenseman.

 

Jeremy Lauzon

Jeremy Lauzon

The six one, 204 pound defenseman was drafted by the Bruins 52nd overall in 2015. The past February the Bruins signed him to a two year contract extension. He has excellent skating ability and a great frame, but needs to add more strength. His NHL comparison is Marco Scandella, who brings an aggressive approach to defense. Lauzon’s scouting report described him as a smart player who would drop the gloves to stand up for a teammate.

 

These are a few of the young faces that are sure to have an impact on the Bruins lineup in the near future.

Until Next Time

∼RJ

Boston Bruins Round Robin Breakdown

With hockey post season back in a few weeks, lets look back on how the Boston Bruins fared against the teams they will face in a round robin style showdown. These round robin games are to determine the seeding arrangement for the next round in playoffs.

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On July 30th, at 7 p.m, the Bruins will play an exhibition game against the Columbus Blue Jackets before the round robin games begin.

August 2nd: Bruins vs. Philadelphia Flyers

Date

Score

Game Notes

9/19/19 (pre-season) 3-1 (Bruins win) Clifton, Heinen, and Cehlarik all scored, Halak was in net for B’s. Niskanen had the lone Flyers goal, Elliot was in net for Flyers
9/23/19 (pre-season) 4-3 (Bruins OT win) Marchand, DeBrusk, Lauko, and Wagner all scored, Rask and Vladar were both in net for B’s, Elliot was in net for Flyers. Bunnaman, Konecny, and Twarynski got the Flyer goals.
11/10/19 3-2 (Flyers SO win) Heinen and Marchand scored for B’s, with Halak in net. Konecny, Myers, and Farabee (SO winner) score for Flyers, with Hart in net for Flyers
1/13/20 6-5 (Flyers SO win) Bjork, Coyle, Krejci (x2),and Pasta all scored for B’s with Halak in net. Couturier, Sanheim (x2), Bunnaman, Hayes and Konecny (SO winner) score for Flyers with Hart in net. 
3/10/20 2-0 (Bruins win) Bergeron and Grzelcyk score for B’s, with Rask in net. Flyers had Hart in net.

Overall, the Bruins took the season series, three game to two. Players to watch out for on the Flyers are Konecny, Hayes, Provorov, with stellar goaltending by Carter Hart. Even though this is a one off game and it is to determine seeding after the play-in rounds, the Boston Bruins have to match the high game energy that the Philadelphia Flyers bring to each game. These two teams might see each other later in the playoff format, so it is important that the Bruins are focused.

August 5th: Bruins vs. Tampa Bay Lightning

Date

Score

Game Notes

10/17/19 4-3 (Tampa SO win) Pasta (x2) and Bergeron scored for the B’s, with Rask in net. Point, Joseph, Shattenkirk and Stamkos (SO winner) all score with Vasilevskiy in net for Tampa.
12/12/19 3-2 (Tampa win) Bergeron and Moore score for B’s with Rask in net. Stamkos (x2) and Point score for Tampa with Vasilevskiy in net for Tampa.
3/3/20 2-1 (Bruins win) DeBrusk and Marchand score for B’s with Rask in net. Stephens scores for Tampa with Vasilevskiy in net for Tampa.
3/7/20 5-3 (Tampa win) McAvoy, Kuraly, and Pasta score for B’s with Rask in net. Sergachev, Cirelli, Killorn, Kucherov, and Paquette all score for Tampa with Vasilevskiy in net. 

Overall, Tampa took the season series three to one. Tampa is a very skilled team, but got swept last year in the first round. With Stamkos apparently injured and questionable for the game, the Tampa Bay players to look out for are Point, Kucherov, Killorn, with solid goaltending by Vasilevskiy. With emotions high from the last time these two played each other, this round robin game with definitely be full of emotion and skill. 

August 8th: Bruins vs. Washington Capitals

Date

Score

Game Notes

11/16/19 3-2 (Caps SO win) Coyle and Pasta score for the B’s with Halak in net. Boyd, Oshie and Vrana (SO winner) all score with Holtby in net. 
12/11/19 3-2 (Caps win) Kuraly and Pasta score for the B’s with Halak in net. Carlson and Oshie (x2) score for the Caps with Holtby in net.
12/23/19 7-3 (Bruins win) Krejci, Marchand, Bergeron (x2), Coyle, Bjork, and DeBrusk all score for the B’s with Rask in net. Eller, Hathaway and Ovi scored for the Caps with Holtby and Samsonov in net. 

Even though the Capitals take the season series two games to one, these two teams haven’t played each other in almost a calendar year. A lot can change in that time, but both teams have great offensive core lines, with solid goaltending. Washington Capital players to watch are Ovechkin, Backstrom, Oshie, Wilson, and Carlson.

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First 10 Games of Stanley Cup Qualifiers 

On July 30th I’ll be watching, will you?

Until Next Time

∼RJ