After a historic 2022-23 regular season that ended disastrously in the playoffs, the Boston Bruins will look for redemption during the 2023-24 season.
2022-23
Record: 65-12-5 (135 pts) – 1st in Atlantic
Playoffs: Lost to Florida in First Round
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Key Losses
Patrice Bergeron (F – Retired), Tyler Bertuzzi (F – TOR), Taylor Hall (F – CHI), Dmitry Orlov (D – CAR), Nick Foligno (F – CHI), Connor Clifton (D – BUF), Garnet Hathaway (F – PHI), David Krejci (F – Retired)
Key Additions
Milan Lucic (F), James van Riemsdyk (F), Morgan Geekie (F), Kevin Shattenkirk (D), Jesper Boqvist (F)
2023-24 Preview
A Historic Dud
The Boston Bruins had a historically successful 2022-23 regular season, finishing with a record of 65-12-5 and earning 135 points. They secured the top spot in the Atlantic Division, and won the President’s Trophy. However, their playoff run was cut short as they were eliminated in the first round by the Florida Panthers.
The Bruins would set the NHL record for wins (65) and points (135). Despite falling to the Panthers in seven games in the first Round, the Bruins can do what both the 2018-19 Tampa Bay Lightning and 1995-96 Detroit Red Wings were able to do, and that is bounce back and right the wrong.
With Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci retired, Brad Marchand will be looked to help lead the Boston Bruins as they look for redemption during the 2023-24 season. – Picture Courtesy of the Boston Bruins
Looking for Redemption
During the offseason the team experienced key losses with the retirements of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, as well as the departures of Tyler Bertuzzi, Taylor Hall, Dmitry Orlov, Nick Foligno, Connor Clifton, Garnet Hathaway. They did make a few additions to their roster, including Milan Lucic, James van Riemsdyk, Morgan Geekie, Kevin Shattenkirk, and Jesper Boqvist. However, the Bruins are going to really need to look deep to fill their holes at center.
What the Bruins do have working in their favor is that they still have a stacked defense which is led by defenseman Charlie McAvoy. Plus a stellar goaltending duo in Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman will look to give the Bruins another great season.
Charlie McAvoy will lead the defensive core as the Boston Bruins will look for redemption in 2023-24 season in their quest for the Stanley Cup. – Picture Courtesy of the Boston Bruins
If the Bruins can get some offence going in their game they will be a top contender once again. However, how much will their losses affect them during the 2023-24 season?
Head Coach Bruce Cassidy (Fired), F – Erik Haula (Trade – NJ), D – Josh Brown (ARI), F – Curtis Lazar (VAN)
Key Additions
Head Coach Jim Montgomery, G – Keith Kinkaid, F – Pavel Zacha, F – David Krejci
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2022-23 Preview
In an interesting move the Boston Bruins fired head coach Bruce Cassidy two weeks after telling him his job was secure, and now Jim Montgomery is at the helm with thoughts that this will improve the club by having a new voice on the bench. The goaltending duo of Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman is a bright spot for the Bruins, especially with Swayman having a wonderful breakout year last season. The chemistry, competitiveness, and comradery between the two makes for a fantastic goaltending duo in Boston.
On offense the Bruins are getting back center David Krejci after returning home last season to Czechia, but what impact will he really have on an aging Bruins team? Patrice Bergeron also is returning for this season after signing a one year deal. Brad Marchand is going to miss the start of the season due to injury, and David Pastrnak is in the last year of his contract so there is going to be pressure mounting for success this season.
On defense both Charlie McAvoy and Matt Grzelcyk will start the season on the injured list which will deplete the core for a bit until they return. Hampus Lindholm and Brandon Carlo are going to be looked to log extra minutes until both return to the lineup.
The Bruins will have a good season, but this could be a season they miss the playoffs, especially with other teams taking more steps forward than the Bruins have.
NHL News and Notes from Saturday, November 23rd, 2019
Game Recaps:
Vancouver Canucks v. Washington Capitals – 1230p EST Start Time
The Washington Capitals fall to the Vancouver Canucks 2-1 in the shootout on Hockey Fights Cancer Day. TXHT Recap
Calgary Flames v. Philadelphia Flyers – 1p EST Start Time
In Philadelphia the Flyers look to cool the Calgary Flames, and after a scoreless first period the Flyers would strike in the second period with a Jakub Voracek tally to take the 1-0 lead. then in the third period Andrew Mangiapane would tie the game at one for the Flames, however, Kevin Hayes would strike late in the third period to retake the lead for the Flyers. But the Flames would not stay down as Elias Lindholm would strike for his 11th of the season to tie the game at two and send the game to overtime. After a scoreless extra frame, it would be Matthew Tkachuk scoring the lone goal of the shootout to secure the 3-2 victory.
Arizona Coyotes v. Los Angeles Kings – 4p EST Start Time
In Los Angeles the Arizona Coyotes look to topple the Kings, and in the first period while on the powerplay Phil Kessel would strike to give the Coyotes the 1-0 lead. Then in the second period Anze Kopitar would strike on the powerplay for the Kings to tie the game at one, but Lawson Crouse would retake the lead for the Coyotes with his fifth of the season. Then in the third period Christian Fischer would score for the Coyotes to take the 3-1 lead, but Nikolai Prokhorkin would score for the Kings, but it wouldn’t be enough as the Coyotes would take the 3-2 victory.
Toronto Maple Leafs v. Colorado Avalanche – 7p EST Start Time
In Colorado the Toronto Maple Leafs would explode for four goals against the Avalanche after Nathan MacKinnon would score 31 seconds into the game to take the lead, but the Leafs would get their goals from Nick Shore, Auston Matthews, Tyson Barrie (PPG), Kasperi Kapenen to take the 4-1 lead. Then in the second period the Avalanche would chip away at the deficit with an Andre Burakovsky powerplay goal, and then in the third period the Avalanche would get a goal from Valeri Nichushkin to cut the deficit to one. However, The Leafs would get a goal from Zach Hyman with one second left in the game to take the 5-3 victory.
Columbus Blue Jackets v. Winnipeg Jets – 7p EST Start Time
In Winnipeg the Jets would face off against the Columbus Blue Jackets in a tightly contested matchup. In the first period the Jackets would strike first with a Pierre-Luc Dubois powerplay goal, but Blake Wheeler would strike to tie the game at one. Then in the second period Seth Jones (PPG) and Gustav Nyquist (PPG) would both strike for the Jackets, but Nikolaj Ehlers and Mathieu Perreault would keep the game tied up as they enter the second intermission. Then in the third period with less than two minutes left in regulation Andrew Copp would strike to give the Jets the 4-3 victory.
Minnesota Wild v. Boston Bruins – 7p EST Start Time
In Boston the Bruins would play host to the Minnesota Wild, and in the first period it would be the first to strike with a Jason Zucker powerplay goal. Then in the second period Victor Rask and Eric Staal (PPG) would score for the Wild, but Jake DeBrusk and Brad Marchand would score for the Bruins. Then in the third period Kevin Fiala would grow the Wild’s lead back to two, but the Bruins would comeback with two goals from David Krejci (EVS and PPG) to tie the game up at four and send the game to overtime. In overtime Torey Krug would score to complete the comeback as the Bruins downed the Wild 5-4.
Krech scored twice in the final two minutes to tie it and @ToreyKrug won it in OT as the #NHLBruins fought back for a Saturday night victory over Minnesota.
New York Rangers v. Montreal Canadiens – 7p EST Start Time
In Montreal the Canadiens would blow one against the New York Rangers. In the first period the Canadiens would get two goals from Max Domi and a goal from Artturi Lehkonen to take a commanding 3-0 lead. Then in the second period Shea Weber would strike to grow the lead to four, but the Rangers would start to mount the comeback as Filip Chytil, Pavel Buchnevich, and Brendan Lemieux would all strike to cut the Canadiens lead to one. Then in the third period Lehkonen would get his second of the game to give the Canadiens the two goal lead, but Artemi Panarin, Lemieux’s second of the game while shorthanded, and a Jacob Trouba tally would complete the comeback as the Rangers would defeat the Canadiens 6-5.
Anaheim Ducks v. Tampa Bay Lightning – 7p EST Start Time
The Tampa Bay Lightning played host to the Anaheim Ducks, and in the first period Brayden Point would get the Lightning on the board first, but then while shorthanded Derek Grant would score for the Ducks to tie the game at one. Then in the second period Rickard Rakell would score for the Ducks, but the Lightning would get goals from Nikita Kucherov, a powerplay tally from Point for his second of the game, and from Pat Maroon to take a 4-2 lead. Then in the third period Anthony Cirelli (PPG) and Ondrej Palat (PPG) would score to give the Lightning the 6-2 victory.
Detroit Red Wings v. New Jersey Devils – 7p EST Start Time
Scott recaps the New Jersey Devils 5-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. Scott’s Recap
Florida Panthers v. Carolina Hurricanes – 7p EST Start Time
In Carolina the Hurricanes would take on the Florida Panthers. In the first period both teams would trade goals as the Hurricanes would get goals from Brett Pesce and Martin Necas, and Aaron Ekblad and Brian Boyle would score for the Panthers. Then in the second period Dougie Hamilton would score to give the Hurricanes the 3-2 lead, and Andrei Svechnikov would score his 11th of the season to secure the 4-2 victroy for the Hurricanes.
Nashville Predators v. St. Louis Blues – 8p EST Start Time
In St. Louis the Nashville Predators would pounce on the Blues in the first period as they would get goals from Filip Forsberg, Mattias Ekholm, and Colton Sissons, but the Blues would get a goal as Klim Kostin would score his first of the season to cut the Predators lead to two. Then after a scoreless second period Alex Pietrangelo would strike on the powerplay for the Blues, but Calle Jarnkrok would secure the victory with the 4-2 win.
Chicago Blackhawks v. Dallas Stars – 8p EST Start Time
In Dallas the Stars and Chicago Blackhawks would need the shootout to settle things. In the first period both teams would trade goals as Roope Hintz would strike for the Stars, and Olli Maatta would score for the Blackhawks. Then after two scoreless periods and a scoreless overtime it would be goals from Joe Pavelski and Tyler Seguin in the shootout to secure the 2-1 win for the Stars.
Edmonton Oilers v. Vegas Golden Knights – 10p EST Start Time
In Vegas the Golden Knights would spring a leak as the Edmonton Oilers came to town. In the first period Connor McDavid and Ethan Bear would score for the Oilers, but Cody Eakin would strike late in the period to trail by one. Then in the second period Markus Granlund would strike to give the Oilers their two goal lead back. However, shea Theodore would strike for the Knights to cut the deficit to one. Then in the third period the Oilers would get their two goal lead as McDavid would score his second of the game while on the powerplay, and secure the 4-2 victory for the Oilers.
New York Islanders v. San Jose Sharks – 1030p EST Start Time
In San Jose the Sharks and New York Islanders would do battle, and after a scoreless first period Marcus Sorensen would strike first for the Sharks. However, Casey Cizikas would strike less than three seconds later to tie the game at one for the Islanders. Then after a scoreless third period this game would require overtime, and it would be Logan Couture striking to give the Sharks the 2-1 victory.
Buffalo Sabres v. Boston Bruins – 7p EST Start Time
In Boston the Bruins would play host to the Buffalo Sabres. In the first period the Sabres would strike first as Rasmus Ristolainen would score on the powerplay, but Brad Marchand would score later in the period to tie the game at one. Then in the second period Marchand would score his second of the game on the powerplay to give the Bruins the 2-1 lead. In the third period David Pastrnak would strike on the third period, but Brandon Montour would score for the Sabres. However, the Bruins would hold on to win 3-2.
Anaheim Ducks v. Florida Panthers – 7p EST Start Time
In Florida the Anaheim Ducks look to tame the Panthers, and in the first period it would be the Ducks striking first as Max Jones would net his third of the season. Then in the second period Nick Ritchie, Rickard Rakell (PPG), and Ondrej Kase would score to take the 4-0 lead, but the Panthers would strike late as Brett Connolly would net back to back goals to cut the Panthers deficit to two. Then in the third period the Panthers would force overtime as Aaron Ekblad and Dominic Toninato would score to tie the game at four, and come overtime, it would be Ekblad scoring his second of the game to secure the 5-4 comeback victory.
Pittsburgh Penguins v. New York Islanders – 7p EST Start Time
On Long Island the Pittsburgh Penguins look to defeat the New York Islanders, and early in the first period Evgeni Malkin would score his fourth of the season to take the 1-0 lead, but the Islanders would strike as Scott Mayfield would score with less than five minutes left in the period. In the second period Bryan Rust would score for the Penguins to regain the one goals lead, but on the powerplay Anthony Beauvillier would score to tie the game at two. In the third period both teams would score late in the period as Brock Nelson would strike on the powerplay for the Islanders, and then Patric Hornqvist would score with 30 seconds left in the period to force overtime. Then in overtime Nelson would strike his second of the game to give the Islanders the 4-3 victory.
Philadelphia Flyers v. Carolina Hurricanes – 7p EST Start Time
In Carolina the Philadelphia Flyers look to calm the Hurricanes’ storm, and in the first period the Hurricanes would strike first with goals from Sebatian Aho and Teuvo Teravainen (PPG) to take the 2-0 lead, but the Flyers would strike back with goals from Claude Giroux and Ivan Provorov (PPG) to tie the game at two. In the second period Morgan Frost would score while shorthanded to give the Flyers the 3-2 lead, and then in the third period Linus Wallmark would tie the game at three. However, Giroux would score his second of the game to retake the lead, and Kevin Hayes would get the empty netter to secure the 5-3 victory.
Detroit Red Wings v. Columbus Blue Jackets – 7p EST Start Time
In Columbus the Blue Jackets would take on the Detroit Red Wings, and in the first period Alexandre Texier would strike first for the Jackets, but lat in the period Tyler Bertuzzi would strike to tie the game at one. Then in the second period Cam Atkinson would score on the powerplay for the Jackets, but the Wings would get goals from Filip Hronek and Luke Glendening (SHG) to take a 3-2 lead into the second intermission. Theni n the third period the Wings would get another goal from Bertuzzi, but the Jackets would get goals from Oliver Bjorkstrand (PPG), Boone Jenner, and Eric Robinson to take the 5-4 victory.
Calgary Flames v. St. Louis Blues – 8p EST Start Time
The St. Louis Blues break out the old school 90’s jerseys as they host the Calgary Flames. The Blues would strike first in the first period with a Zach Sanford tally. Then in the second period Oskar Sundqvist and David Perron (PPG) would strike to grow the Blues lead to three. Then in the third period Sundqvist would score his second of the game and Vince Dunn would score to secure the 5-0 victory for the Blues.
Vancouver Canucks v. Nashville Predators – 8p EST Start Time
In Nashville the Vancouver Canucks would get goals from six different goal scorers to tame the Predators. In the first period the Predators would strike first as Ryan Johansen would score for the 1-0 lead, but the Canucks would get goals from Elias Pettersson (PPG) and Tyler Graovac (PPG) to take the 2-1 lead. In the second period Calle Jarnkrok would strike on the powerplay for the Predators, but the Canucks would get goals from JT Miller (PPG), Brock Boeser (PPG), and Bo Horvat (PPG) to take a commanding 5-2 lead. Then in the third period Matt Duchene would score for the Predators, but Tanner Pearson would score while shorthanded to give the Canucks the 6-3 victory.
Colorado Avalanche v. Minnesota Wild – 8p EST Start Time
In Minnesota the Wild would survive the Colorado Avalanche. After a scoreless first period, Cale Makar would score back to back goals for the Avalanche, but the Wild would strike earlier on a Mats Zuccarello powerplay goal, and a Jordan Greenway tally to have the game go into the intermission tied at two. Then in the third period Jason Zucker would score the lone tally of the period to give the Wild the 3-2 victory.
Tampa Bay Lightning v. Chicago Blackhawks – 830p EST Start Time
In Chicago the Tampa Bay Lightning would strike against the Blackhawks. In the first period Mikhail Sergachev would score his first of the season to give the Lightning the 1-0 lead. Then after a scoreless second period both teams would score for a combined five goals. The Blackhawks would get their goals from Brent Seabrook and Dylan Strome, but the Lightning would get goals from Anthony Cirelli, Brayden Point, and Cedric Paquette to take the 4-2 victory.
Winnipeg Jets v. Dallas Stars – 830p EST Start Time
In Dallas the Stars would play host to the Winnipeg Jets. After a scoreless first period the Stars would erupt for three goals as Mattias Janmark, Jason Dickinson, and Radek Faksa, but the Jets would get on the board with a Kyle Connor tally as the Stars took a 3-1 lead into the second intermission. Then in the third period Patrik Laine and Luca Sbisa would get on the board for the Jets, but Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin would strike for the Stars to secure the 5-3 victory.
Toronto Maple Leafs v. Arizona Coyotes – 9p EST Start Time
The Toronto Maple Leafs entered the Sheldon Keefe era in Arizona as they took on the Coyotes. In the first period Tyson Barrie would score his first as a Leaf to give the Leafs the 1-0 lead. Then in the second period Pierre Engvall would score his first goal while shorthanded for the 2-0 Leafs lead. Then in the third period Auston Matthews would score his 15th of the season to grow the Leafs lead to three. Vinnie Hinostroza would score for the Coyotes, but the Leafs would hold on for the 3-1 victory.
San Jose Sharks v. Vegas Golden Knights – 10p EST Start Time
In Vegas the Golden Knights rekindle their rivalry with the San Jose Sharks. After a scoreless first period Timo Meier would score his sixth of the season to give the Sharks the 1-0 lead. In the third period, the Knights would force overtime with a Brayden McNabb tally. Then in overtime it would be Logan Couture scoring his fourth of the season to secure the 2-1 victory for the Sharks.
Edmonton Oilers v. Los Angeles Kings – 1030p EST Start Time
In Los Angeles the Kings would play host to the Edmonton Oilers, and the Kings would dominate in the first period as Tyler Toffoli, Anze Kopitar, and Jeff Carter would all score to give the Kings the 3-0 lead. Then in the second period the Oilers would get on the board with a Connor McDavid tally, but that would be all the Oilers would score as Michael Amadio would score to retake the Kings three goals lead late in the second, and in the third period Tyler Toffoli would score on the powerplay for his second of the game and give the Kings the 5-1 victory.
NHL News and Notes from Tuesday, November 19th, 2019
Game Recaps:
Minnesota Wild v. Buffalo Sabres – 7p EST Start Time
In Buffalo the Sabres would look to take down the Minnesota Wild, however the Wild would look to tame the Sabres as they would get two goals in the first period from Zach Parise (ESG and PPG). Then in the second period Jonas Brodin would make it 3-0 for the Wild. In the third period the Sabres would get on the board with Brandon Montour’s first of the season, but Jason Zucker would seal the dwal with his sixth of the season to give the Wild the 4-1 victory.
Philadelphia Flyers v. Florida Panthers – 7p EST Start Time
In Florida the Philadelphia Flyers would strike first as Travis Sanheim would get the Flyers on the board with his second of the season, but the Panthers would respond with goals from Colton Sceviour and Brett Connoly to take the 2-1 lead into the first intermission. Then in the second period Aleksander Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau would extend their lead to three, but Morgan Frost would score his first career NHL goal in his first NHL game to cut the deficit to two. However, in the third period Mike Hoffman would score to secure the Panthers the 5-2 victory over the Flyers.
Boston Bruins v. New Jersey Devils – 7p EST Start Time
In New Jersey the Boston Bruins would schalack the Devils as Matt Grzelcyk and David Pastrnak would score two goals each, and Connor Clifton would round out the scoring for the Bruins. Blake Coleman would score the lone goal for the Devils. Brad Marchand would record three assists and David Krejci would have two assists in the Bruins 5-1 victory. Scott’s Recap
New York Islanders v. Pittsburgh Penguins – 7p EST Start Time
In Pittsburgh the Penguins would get the jump on the New York Islanders when Bryan Rust (PPG) and Brandon Tanev would score to take the 2-0 lead in the first period. Then in the second period Anthony Beauvillier and Brock Neslon would score for the Islanders, but Tanev would score his second of the game to regain the lead for Pittsburgh. In the third period Jake Guentzel would score on the powerplay to grow the Penguins to two, but the Islanders would get goals from Josh Bailey and Ryan Pulock to force overtime, and Brock Nelson would score his second of the game to secure the 5-4 victory.
Montreal Canadiens v. Columbus Blue Jackets – 7p EST Start Time
The Columbus Blue Jackets would strike early and often as they would down the Montreal Canadiens. In the first period Eric Robinson would strike for the Jackets, but Artturi Lehkonen would tie the game for the Canadiens. Then in the second period Joel Armia would give the Canadiens the lead, but Pierre-Luc Dubois would score the first of four unanswered goals to tie the game going into the second intermission. In the third period Emil Bermstrom, Boone Jenner (PPG), and Dubois (second of the game) would all score to give the Blue Jackets the 5-2 victory.
Ottawa Senators v. Detroit Red Wings – 730p EST Start Time
The Detroit Red Wings looks to take down the visiting Ottawa Senators. In the first period the Senators would strike first as Anthony Duclair would score his eighth of the season, but the Wings would get goals from Robby Fabbri and Valtteri Filppula (SHG) to take a 2-1 lead. Then in the second period Duclair would score his second of the game, and then Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Brady Tkachuk would score to take the 4-2 lead. Anthony Mantha would score for the Red Wings in the third period, but the Senators would hold on to win 4-3.
Tampa Bay Lightning v. St. Louis Blues – 8p EST Start Time
In Pat Maroon’s homecoming to St. Louis since winning the Stanley Cup last summer, the Tampa Bay Lightning would fall to the Blues. Anthony Cirelli would score on the powerplay for the Lightning, but the Blues would respond with three unanswered goals as David Perron would score shorthanded in the second period, and in the third period Oskar Sundqvist and Jaden Schwartz would both score shorthanded goals to take the 3-1 victory.
Winnipeg Jets v. Nashville Predators – 8p EST Start Time
The Winnipeg Jets and the Nashville Predators would play a tightly contested matchup as the Jets would take the road victory with goals from Patrik Laine and Nikolaj Ehlers as they defeated the Predators 2-1. The Predators lone goal would come from Nick Bonino.
Carolina Hurricanes v. Chicago Blackhawks – 830p EST Start Time
The Carolina Hurricanes came into Chicago with a surge as Martin Necas would score in the first period to take the 1-0 lead. Then in the second period Andrei Svechnikov and Nino Niederreiter would score to take the 3-0 lead into the third period. However, the Blackhawks would find their stride in the third as Erik Gustafsson and Connor Murphy would score to cut their deficit to one, but the Hurricanes would hold on as Sebastian Aho would score into the empty net for the 4-2 victory.
Vancouver Canucks v. Dallas Stars – 830p EST Start Time
In Dallas the Stars would shine over the the Vancouver Canucks. Jamie Benn would score a pair of goals for the Stars, and Taylor Fedun, Miro Heiskanen, Justin Dowling, and Corey Perry would all strike to give the Stars the 6-1 victory. Bo Horvat would score the lone goal for the Canucks.
Colorado Avalanche v. Calgary Flames – 9p EST Start Time
The Colorado Avalanche would continue their dominance over the Calgary Flames as they would win a tightly contested matchup on the road. In the first period Andre Burakovsky would score back to back goals to give the Avalanche the 2-0 lead. Then in the second period Vladislav Kamenev would grow the lead to three. However, the Flames would get a second period goal from Derek Ryan, and a third period tally from Andrew Mangiapane to cut the deficit to one, but the Avalanche would hold on to win 3-2.
Toronto Maple Leafs v. Vegas Golden Knights – 10p EST Start Time
In Vegas after a scoreless first period Cody Glass would score a second period powerplay goal to give the Golden Knights the 1-0 lead over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Then in the third period the Leafs would respond with goals from Jason Spezza and Zach Hyman (PPG), the Knight would get goals from Tomas Nosek, Mark Stone, and Cody Eakin to take the 4-2 victory.
Edmonton Oilers v. San Jose Sharks – 1030p EST Start Time
In San Jose the Edmonton Oilers would score three goals in the first period as Markus Granlund, Zack Kassian, and Jujhar Khaira would all score for the Oilers, however, Kevin Lebanc would score for the Sharks to trail the Oilers 3-1 going into the first intermission. James Neal would tally for the Oilers in the second period, and in the third period Connor McDavid would seal the deal as the Oilers would defeat the Sharks. Barclay Goodrow would score for the Sharks in the third as they fell to the Oilers 5-2.
New Jersey Devils (7-9-4 18pts) vs Boston Bruins (13-3-5 31pts)
Game Recap:
Tonight the New Jersey Devils come back home briefly to host the Boston Bruins. Unfortunately for the Devils they ran into arguably the best team in the Eastern Conference and were ultimately outmatched. Boston would strike twice within 14 seconds in the first period as they got goals from Matt Grzelcyk and David Pastrnak. New Jersey was unable to score and would fall behind 2-0 going into the second period.
New Jersey would get their only goal of the game in the second period as Blake Coleman would get his fifth goal on the season at the 18:11 mark. However, Coleman’s goal wouldn’t matter as the Bruins went onto score 3 more times. Bruins goals came from David Pastrnak and (league leading 19th, Matt Grzelcyz each with their second of the game, and native New Jerseyan Connor Clifton. Boston took this game by a final score of 5-1.
NHL News and Notes from Saturday, November 16th, 2019
News:
The Washington Capitals recalled forward Travis Boyd and goaltender Vitek Vanecek. The Capitals also assigned goaltender Ilya Samsonov and defensman Tyler Lewington to Hershey.
NEWS | Capitals have recalled defenseman Travis Boyd and goaltender Vitek Vanecek from the Hershey Bears and assigned goaltender Ilya Samsonov and defenseman Tyler Lewington to Hershey#ALLCAPS#CapsBruinshttps://t.co/5tfHlLjEc9
Carolina Hurricanes v. Minnesota Wild – 2p EST Start Time
In Minnesota the Wild would take the Carolina Hurricanes to overtime. In the first period the Hurricanes would get goals from Joel Edmundson and Brock McGinn, then in the second perios a goal from Warren Foegele. However, in the second period the Wild would light the lamp three times as Luke Kunin, Zach Parise (SHG), and Carson Soucy to tie the game at three. Then after a scoreless third period it would be Andrei Svechnikov netting his ninth of the season to secure the 4-3 victory for the Hurricanes.
Vegas Golden Knights v. Los Angeles Kings – 4p EST Start Time
The Los Angeles Kings would play host to the Vegas Golden Knights, and in the first period the Kings would net two goals by Blake Lizotte (SHG) and Drew Doughty (PPG) to take the 2-0 lead. Then in the second period Nikolai Prokhorkin would socre his first NHL goal for the Kings, but the Knights would strike for three goals in the second as Max Pacioretty, Jonathan Marchessault, and William Karlsson would all score to tie the game at three. However, in the third period Jeff Carter would score the lone goal of the period to secure the 4-3 victory for the Kings.
Dallas Stars v. Edmonton Oilers – 4p EST Start Time
In Edmonton Oilers play host to the Dallas Stars and in the first period Dallas would strike first with a Jason Dickinson marker. However, the Oilers would respond with goals from Jujhar Khaira and Leon Draisaitl to take the 2-1 lead. In the second period Miro Heiskanen would strike for the Stars, but Khaira would score his second of the game, and Ethan Bear would score his third of the season on the powerplay to grow the Oilers lead to 4-2. In the third period the Stars would tie things up as Blake Comeau and Tyler Seguin would score to tie the game, and in overtime Jamie Benn would net the winner to complete the comeback and secure the 5-4 victory.
Calgary Flames v. Arizona Coyotes – 4p EST Start Time
In Arizona the Coyotes would cool off the Calgary Flames as they would get second period goals from Derek Stepan and Carl Soderberg to take the 2-0 lead. Then in the third period Lawson Crouse would net his fourth of the season to secure the 3-0 victory for the Kachina clad Coyotes.
Winnipeg Jets v. Tampa Bay Lightning – 4p EST Start Time
In Tampa Bay the Winnipeg Jets would make the Lightning pay for their horrible third jerseys that they wore. In the first period both teams would trade goals as Mathieu Perreault would strike first for the Jets, and then Victor Hedman would tie the game at one for the Lightning. In the second period Jack Roslovic and Nikolaj Ehlers (PPG) would score for the Jets to grow their lead to two.In the third period the Lightning would get goals from Steven Stamkos and Anthony Cirelli, but a late Kyle Connor tally would secure the 4-3 victory for the Jets.
Washington Capitals v. Boston Bruins – 7p EST Start Time
The Washington Capitals would dominate the Boston Bruins throughout the game, but would require the shootout to earn the 3-2 victory. TXHT Recap
Ottawa Senators v. Buffalo Sabres – 7p EST Start Time
In Buffalo it would be the Jack Eichel show against the Ottawa Senators. The Senators would get goals from Anthon Duclair (PPG) and Tyler Ennis, but it would be Jack Eichel scoring all four goals for the Sabres as they would go to win 4-2.
New Jersey Devils v. Montreal Canadiens – 7p EST Start Time
Scott recaps the New Jersey Devils overtime victory over the Montreal Canadiens. Scott’s Recap
New York Rangers v. Florida Panthers – 7p EST Start Time
In Florida the Panthers and New York Rangers would trade goals int he first two periods of their game against each other. In the first period Ryan Strome and Artemi Panarin would score for New York while Mike Hoffman (PPG) and Evgenii Dadonov (PPG) would score for the Panthers. Then in the second period everything would get decided as Tony DeAngelo would score for the Rangers, but the Panthers would get goals from Brett Connolly and Dadonov (second of the game) to secure the 4-3 victory.
New York Islanders v. Philadelphia Flyers – 7p EST Start Time
In Philadelphia the Flyers would look to down the New York Islanders. In the first period the Flyers would get goals from Sean Couturier and Ivan Provorov (PPG) to take the 2-0 lead. Then in the second period the Flyers would strike again with an Oskar Lindbolm tally. However, the Islanders would strike three times in overtime as Anthony Beauvillier would tally two goals and Mathew Barzal would strike on the powerplay to tie the game at three. Then in the shootout Barzal would seal the deal as the Islanders defeat the Flyers 4-3.
Toronto Maple Leafs v. Pittsburgh Penguins – 7p EST Start Time
The Pittsburgh Penguins would light up the Toronto Maple Leafs for their Hockey Fights Cancer night. The Penguins would get goals from Jake Guentzel, Evgeni Malkin, Dominik Kahun (x2), Jared McCann, and Bryan Rust (SHG) to take the victory over the Leafs. The Leafs lone goal would come from Jason Spezza in their 6-1 defeat to the Penguins.
Anaheim Ducks v. St. Louis Blues – 8p EST Start Time
In St. Louis the Blues would take on the Anaheim Ducks. In the first period the Ducks would get goals from Ryan Getzlaf and Derek Grant. then in the second period Grant would score his second of the game for the Ducks, but Vince Dunn would strike for the Blues. Then in the third period Grant would complete the hat trick as the Ducks would go on to defeat the Blues 4-1.
Chicago Blackhawks v. Nashville Predators – 8p EST Start Time
In Nashville the Chicago Blackhawks would tame the Predators. In the first period the Blackhawks would get goals from Erik Gustafsson and Dominik Kubalik. Then in the second period the Blackhawks would pile on with goals from Brent Seabrook and David Kampf. In the third the Predators would get a pair of goals from Roman Josi, but the Blackhawks would get three more goals from Patrick Kane and a pair from Alexander Nylander to take the 7-2 victory.
Colorado Avalanche v. Vancouver Canucks – 10p EST Start Time
In Vancouver the Canucks would don the infamous Black Skate jerseys against the Colorado Avalanche. In the first period Pierre-Edouard Bellemare would strike first for the Avalanche, but Adam Gaudette would strike on the powerplay to tie the game at one on the powerplay. Then in the second period Nathan MacKinnon would strike on the powerplay, and Nazem Kadri would score his seventh of the season to grow Colorado’s lead to two, but Gaudette would score his second of the game on the powerplay to cut the deficit to one. In the third period Andre Burakovsky would score to retake the two goal lead. The Canucks would stay in the fight though as late in the third Alexander Edler would score to get the Canucks within one of tying the game, and then with the goalie pulled Brock Boeser would score to tie the game at four to send the game to overtime. However, in overtime the Avalanche would pull off the victory with MacKinnon’s second of the game.
Detroit Red Wings v. San Jose Sharks – 1030p EST Start Time
In San Jose the Sharks would get the jump on the Detroit Red Wings as Kevin Labanc would get the Sharks on the board in the first period. Then in the second period Andreas Anthanasiou and Taro Hirose would get the Wings on the board, but the Sharks would respond in kind with goals from Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Erik Karlsson (PPG) to retake their lead. Then in the third Anthanasiou would score his second of the game to tie the game at three. Then in the shootout Kevin Lebanc wouls socre the lone tally to give the Red Wings the 4-3 victory.
Washington Capitals (14-3-4 32pts) v. Boston Bruins (12-3-4 28pts)
Game Recap:
Shipping up to Boston after a disappointing showing at home the night before against the Montreal Canadiens, the Washington Capitals look to rebound against the Bruins. In the first period the Capitals would get a powerplay opportunity near the half way point of the period, but their struggles from the night before continued as they were unable to handle the puck well, and squandered their powerplay. Then shortly after the powerplay ended for the Capitals, the Bruins would strike as Danton Heinen would feed a beautiful pass across the slot to Charlie Coyle to bank in his fourth goal of the season to give the Bruins the one goal lead. However, the Capitals would respond as Travis Boyd, who was recalled from Hershey earlier in the day, would cut through the slot area and redirect a John Carlson point blast to get his first of the season and tie the game at one.
In the second period the Bruins would fail to capitalize on the remaining time left on their powerplay from the first period, but once it was over the Bruins would still respond anyways as David Pastrnak would score off a bad angle to retake the one goal lead over the Capitals. The Capitals would get a powerplay opportunity a little later, but would not do anything substantial with it. The Bruins would earn another powerplay as well, and just like the Capitals were unable to make anything of the opportunity.
In the third period there wouldn’t be a lot outside of Tom Wilson and Zdeno Chara both getting minors for roughing until the final minute of regulation as the Capitals would pull Braden Holtby and a slick pass from behind the net to TJ Oshie who would bury it to tie the game at two and send the game to overtime. After a scoreless extra five minutes the game would head to the shootout. After being tied at one goal each after the first three rounds, Jakub Vrana would undress Jaroslav Halak to score the winning goal in the shootout and give the Capitals the 3-2 victory.
Washington Capitals (14-3-2) vs Boston Bruins (12-3-4)
Predicted Goaltender
Record
GAA / SV% / # SO
Washington Capitals
Braden Holtby
9-1-3
3.06 / .903% / 0
Boston Bruins
Jaroslav Halak
4-1-2
2.68 / .918% / 1
The Washington Capitals will play their second game of a back-to-back tonight versus the Boston Bruins. Luckily, they have defined themselves as ‘road warriors’, as they are 9-1-1 on the road, and 7-1-1 against Eastern Conference teams. Despite dropping their last four games, the Bruins are still ranked first in the Atlantic Division and have not yet lost in regulation at TD Garden. The Caps and Bruins last played on February 3rd of 2019, where just a single goal decided the winner, and it was David Krejci of Boston who scored it. However, the Capitals won the two other meetings with the Bruins, including a 7-0 shutout on the eve of Washingtons’ combined home-opener/Championship banner raising.
Last night, the Washington Capitals ended a 13-game point streak after losing 5-2 to the Montreal Canadiens. Washington played with just 11 forwards, and seven defensemen, after calling up Tyler Lewington from the Hershey Bears earlier in the day. As a result, we saw double-shifting from top nine forwards, and Lewington filling in on the fourth line center position, as well as on defense. The first 10 minutes were ALL CAPS, as play remained in the Habs’ defensive zone for much of the period, and the Capitals’ forecheck was extremely aggressive. Washington fell behind slightly in the second half of the first frame, and Montreal took full advantage, though Ilya Samsonov stopped all 15 shots he faced. The second period, in which the Capitals had dominated in goal-scoring, saw four goals from the Canadiens, each from four different players. Phillip Danault started off the scoring at the 6:22 mark, as he deceivingly snuck the puck past Samsonov. The Habs’ second goal, coming from Shea Weber, resulted directly from a defensive breakdown between the circles, and Samsonov was hung out to dry. Just over two minutes later, Jordan Weal scored his 3rd of the season. The first penalty of the game was called at the 12:36 mark of the second period, as Garnet Hathaway was called for tripping (TheScore, MTL @ WSH). Just moments after the Capitals successfully killed off the penalty, Nick Suzuki improved the Habs’ lead to four goals. The third period saw the only Capitals’ power play of the game, with Jeff Petry going off for interference. Just over a minute into the power play, Alex Ovechkin, from his office, scored his 14th goal of the season, and just his 2nd goal at home. Many fans, myself included, considered a spoiled shutout for Carey Price the singular bright spot of the night. 10 minutes later, Evgeny Kuznetsov, who had already taken the majority of the Caps’ faceoffs, scored his 9th of the season, bringing Washington within two. However, Tomas Tatar, who had already registered three assists, scored an empty net goal, securing Montreals’ win, after head coach Todd Reirden elected to pull Samsonov for the extra skater. Since no one likes +/- ratings, let’s talk Corsi for a moment, also known as shot-attempt differential at even strength. Stat heads like myself prefer to utilize this value over +/-, because it generally gives a better idea of in-game contributions. Brendan Leipsic was the only player of the night with a + corsi rating, totaling +3 (TheScore, MTL @ WAS). With Samsonov having played last night, Braden Holtby is expected to start for the Capitals tonight.
Boston also played last night, where they defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs, 4-2 on the road. After losing their last four games, Boston head coach Bruce Cassidy was looking to his veterans to beat the team that they are nearly guaranteed to play in the first round of the playoffs, year in and year out. Charlie Coyle got the Bruins on the board at the 13:48 mark of the first period. David Pastrnak was called for interference shortly thereafter, but Bostons’ penalty kill successfully kept Toronto off the board. As the Leafs’ power play expired, Nicholas Shore was called for holding, and Bostons’ 3rd ranked power play unit would hope to add to their lead (TheScore, Boston Bruins). Neither team would score again until the 9:20 mark of the second, when Auston Matthews scored his 14th of the season. Boston ranks 5th in goals for, averaging 3.56 goals per game, and they also allow the 4th fewest goals against, averaging 2.5 goals per game (TheScore, Boston Bruins). Brad Marchand would give the Bruins a 1-goal lead just 11 seconds into the third period, and less than three minutes later, Kasperi Kapanen would score, tying the game. Just as quickly as Kapanen tied the game, Brad Marchand would score his second of the game, and his 13th of the season, a goal of which would be the eventual game-winner. Andreas Johnsson would be called for tripping at the 11:11 mark, which isn’t very lucky, but Boston would not convert on their second power play opportunity. Just under the 17 minute mark of third period, four-time Selke Trophy winner Patrice Bergeron would go off for slashing, and like Boston, Toronto was unable to score with the extra skater. With 90 seconds remaining, Zdeno Chara secured Bostons’ win with an empty net goal, giving the Bruins a 4-2 lead. David Pastrnak, who leads his team, and the league, in goals (16G), has just one point in his last four games. It is worth noting that nine, yes, nine, of his goals have come on the power play. After starting the season with points in 13 straight games (31P in 18 games), and five assists coming versus the New York Rangers on October 27th, Pastrnak, as he usually does, has gone cold for the moment. The Washington Capitals absolutely cannot let this Czech winger get behind their defense. Or offense, for that matter. Because he is one of those skaters who, given an inch, will take a mile. Or four. Brad Marchand leads the Bruins with 19 assists, and is close behind ‘Pasta’ with 30 points (TheScore, Boston Bruins). A right winger leads the Bruins in hits, with 47. That’s right. A forward, not a defenseman, and that wingers name is Chris Wagner. Arguably the most physical player on the squad, Wagner, who averages 13:37 TOI per night, is a heavy hitter, so sparks will likely fly between these teams tonight. Tuuka Rask stopped 29 of 31 shots, ending his night with a .935 save percentage (TheScore, BOS @ TOR). However, as they too will be playing the second game of a back-to-back, former Capitals’ goaltender Jaroslav Halak is slated to start tonight. In 21 career games VERSUS the Washington Capitals, Halak is 9-10-0, with a .900 SV% and 2.80 goals against (HockeyReference).
Nic Dowd and Carl Hagelin are both listed as ‘OUT’, and timelines to return are unknown at this point. We will continue to update this article as we receive further information from the Washington Capitals. Due to tight salary cap restrictions, the Capitals have recalled forward Travis Boyd and goaltender Vitek Vanecek, and have reassigned Ilya Samsonov and Tyler Lewington to the Hershey Bears. Vanecek will serve as back-up goaltender to Braden Holtby tonight. The Boston Bruins have been to hell and back with their lengthy laundry list of injuries. See below:
D- John Moore (IR-NR, shoulder)
D- Kevan Miller (IR-NR, kneecap)
D- Tory Krug (OUT, upper body)
LW- Anton Blidh (IR-NR, shoulder)
LW- Jake DeBrusk (DL, lower body)
RW- David Backes (DL, upper body)
RW- Brett Ritchie (OUT, upper body)
RW- Zach Senyshyn (DL, lower body)
RW- Karson Kuhlman (DL, leg)
It is expected that none of these nine players will play tonight.
Coverage of the game begins at 6:00pm with Caps Faceoff Live, followed by Caps Pregame Live at 6:30pm, all on NBCSN/NBCSWA, with puck drop shortly after 7:00pm.
Washington Capitals. (2019). Caps Recall Boyd and Vanecek From Hershey, Assign Samsonov and Lewington. Retrieved from https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/caps-recall-boyd-and-vanecek-from-hershey-assign-samsonov-and-lewington/c-311381504.
NHL News and Notes from Friday, November 15th, 2019
News:
In the NWHL, the Connecticut Whale have signed forward Elena Gualtieri for the 2019-20 season.
SIGNING NEWS: The @CTWhale_NWHL have signed @ConnCollWHKY forward Elena Gualtieri
As a captain in her senior season, Gualtieri led the Camels in assists (8) and finished second on the team in scoring (13). She's 5th all-time in career assists in Camels program history. #ThePod🐳 pic.twitter.com/P0Hn3DUDSe
The Calgary Flames gave an update on defenseman TJ Brodie after the previous day’s episode. Per the team, Brodie is recovering and is out indefinitely at this time.
Boston Bruins v. Toronto Maple Leafs – 7p EST Start Time
In Toronto the Maple Leafs would play host to their heated rival Boston Bruins, and in the first period the Bruins would strike as Charlie Coyle would net his third of the season. Then in the second period Auston Matthews would tie the game with his 14th of the season. Then in the third season Brad Marchand would net a pair and Zdeno Chara would give the Bruins a commanding lead. Kasperi Kapanen would score for the Leafs, but it would not be enough as the Bruins would hold on for the 4-2 victory.
Pittsburgh Penguins v. New Jersey Devils – 7p EST Start Time
Scott has your recap as the New Jersey Devils take down the Pittsburgh Penguins 2-1 in a tightly contested matchup. Scott’s Recap
Montreal Canadiens v. Washington Capitals – 7p EST Start Time
The Washington Capitals drop the first game of their weekend back to back as the Montreal Canadiens take the 5-2 victory at Capital One Arena. TXHT Recap
St. Louis Blues v. Columbus Blue Jackets – 7p EST Start Time
The Columbus Blue Jackets and the St. Louis Blues did battle in Columbus as both teams would start off with trading goals in the first period as Vladislav Gavrikov would score his first goal of the season to give the Jackets the lead, but Mackenzie MacEachern would tie the game at one in the final minute of the first. Then in the second period Brayden Schenn would score on the powerplay to take the lead for the Blues, but in the third period Pierre-Luc Dubois would tie the game for the Jackets. In overtime Zach Werenski would score on the powerplay to secure the 3-2 victory for the Blue Jackets.
Philadelphia Flyers v. Ottawa Senators – 730p EST Start Time
In Ottawa the Senators would get a two goal second period after Tyler Pitlick would give the Philadelphia Flyers the 1-0 first period lead. Both Tyler Ennis (PPG) and Filip Chlapik would score for the Senators to secure the 2-1 victory.
