It was great watching the Bruins open the season with a big win over the Rangers. In just a few days, we get to watch these 2 Eastern Conference favorites battle again in Madison Square Garden. Here are 5 thoughts I had about the Bruins after watching the game:
1. Playing in Europe really gave the Bruins an edge tonight. Right from the opening drop of the puck, the Bruins seemed faster, made sharper passes, and generally carried the action during the course of the game. Although they were sloppy at times, I was surprised at how cleanly the Bruins played. I look forward to their Monday matinee against Winnipeg to see if they can maintain what they started.
2. Shawn Thornton is one tough son of a bitch. There weren't a lot of punches landed in his fight with Rupp, but he got the best of the battle. Buffalo and Montreal may have gotten tougher, but they still can't match up with Thornton, McQuaid, Lucic, Chara and Campbell. The Bruins were faster, cleaner, sharper, and stronger.
3. Dougie Hamilton is the real deal. He didn't really do anything to stand out in a good way, but he also didn't have any hiccups in his game. I look forward to the years he should be wearing the spoked B.
4. Tyler Seguin just keeps getting better and better. I just wish he had buried that great chance he had against Lundquist.
5. Henrik Lundquist is the best goalie in the NHL. His theft of David Krejci's shot was absolutely criminal. It wasn't as good as Tim Thomas' stop against the Canadians in the playoffs a few years ago, but it was one for the ages.
BONUS
6. The Bruins power play has to start burying some chances. They were 0-7 on the power play tonight. The St. Louis Blues were 4-5 against Detroit; Toronto was 2-5 against Montreal. The Bruins have the best team 5 on 5 in the league, but they have to take advantage of the power plays they get. They moved well tonight, but they were still throwing too many dump ins way too deep, too many shots into the Rangers zone when there was no chance a Bruin would get the puck.
Tonight was a great way to open the season. Let's hope they can keep it up.
LET'S GO BRUINS!
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