Boston bests Winnipeg in shootout, 2-1

The Bruins followed up their win over the Rangers in a Monday afternoon matinee against the Jets, winning in a shootout 2-1.  Here are five tidbits I observed about the B's:

1.  Tuukka Rask is the real deal.  2 games, 2 goals allowed.  If he can continue playing like this going forward, the Bruins will be in good shape.  He played well in the 2d and 3rd periods when the Jets seemed to carry the action.

2.  Dougie Hamilton is the real deal.  He logged over 20 minutes in today's game.  As Stuart Scott likes to say, this kid looks "as cool as the other side of the pillow."  He doesn't wilt under pressure.  He handles himself well, even on the power play.  Which leads me to...

3.  The power play struggles continue.  I know it's early in the season and the B's are trying some new line combinations, but they have to find a way to score on the PP.  More often then not, they seem to dump the puck in with no real purpose, giving the opponent easy opportunities to fire the puck right back down the ice.  The B's have got to find a way to keep control of the puck on the PP and score.

4.  When their timing gets better, the B's top 2 lines are going to be monstrous.  Krejci-Lucic-Horton are just missing on their passes.  Bergeron-Marchand-Seguin are getting great opportunities, they just have to bury them.  Seguin is showing that there are few on the ice with the type of talent he possesses. When these 2 lines click, watch out.

5.  The Bruins ability to roll 4 lines night in and night out will benefit them greatly in a 48 game season.  I heard a report on NESN during the game that other teams are laying back on hitting and the physical side of the game to try to stay fresh throughout the year.  The B's just keep playing their style of game.  I'm looking forward to the rematch with the Rangers on Wednesday to see if the B's can maintain the momentum they started the season with.

Bonus:

If he can continue his play, Vladimir Tarasenko in St. Louis will easily win the Calder Trophy.  This kid possesses some phenomenal talent.  He makes some vets look like rookies.  St. Louis is a force to be reckoned with this year.  They remind me in ways of the Bruins; young talent, tight on defense, physical and ready to dole out hits and block shots.  Beware the Blues; they're among the best in the NHL this year.