Bruins fall to Blueshirts in OT, 4-3

The Bruins' second tilt with the Rangers this year ended in a 4-3 OT loss for the B's.  The Rangers jumped out to a 2-0 lead early in the first period, but the Bruins fought back, eventually earning a point when Nathan Horton scored late in the 3rd.  Here are five tidbits I observed about the B's and the game:

1.  It's early in the season, but the Bruins have to be considered a favorite to win the East.  The Flyers started 0-3, Pittsburgh is getting some questionable goaltending, King Henrik is not exactly himself, and Ovechkin and the Caps are 0-2, losing at home to Winnipeg.  The Bruins are deep, deeper than any other team in the East.  They blend a good mix of veteran leadership with youth and energy.  They play in a system that each player buys into, knowing the roles they have to fill.  Even in this loss, I think the B's outplayed the Rangers for the better part of the game.

2.  The penalty kill is coming through HUGE.  The Rangers had two 5 on 3 opportunities against the Bruins so far this year; they couldn't score.  In last night's 5 on 3, they didn't even get a shot on net.  The Bruins haven't given up a power play goal yet this year.  I know it's early, but this PK is the best in the league right now.

3.  The power play has to improve.  Although Marchand scored on the PP last night, the B's are still just 1 for 14 on the power play this year.  The team is showing better movement with the puck, especially when Tyler Seguin is involved.  However, they've got to find a way to score when the opportunity arises.

4.  A key statistic many may not think of drives the Bruins success; winning faceoffs.  Once again, the Bruins lead the league in faceoff wins, taking 60%+ of draws during games.  Last night they took 36 of 53 draws against the Rangers.  Bergeron/Krejci/Kelly/Campbell are the best in the business.  Chiarelli knew what he was doing when he built this team.

5.  2 U's, 2 K's didn't exactly lead to getting 2 points last night, but Tuukka saved the Bruins bacon at the end of regulation.  If he let's Nash/Gaborik score in the last seconds of the game, the B's leave NY with 0 points and deflated that they had a chance to snatch a point.  Although he gave up 4, the Bruins leave NY with 1 point because Tuukka came up big when it mattered most.

BONUS

Rick Nash can just be filthy good when he wants to be.  The moves he put on Boychuk and Looch were sick.  I'm glad the B's only play them 1 more time before the playoffs.