Bruins claw way to win over Sabres

The Boston Bruins went in to the HSBC Arena to play the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday night with a little momentum. For the first time in 10 games the Bruins entered a game with a win in their previous game. They were a determined team and behind the strong goaltending by Tuukka Rask were able to put together a two game winning streak.

The Bruins came out flying and were able to quickly get passed Olympic-bound goaltender Ryan Miller, who is proving to be a top goalie in the NHL this season. Welland born Dan Paille was playing against the team that drafted him and he wanted to show why they shouldn’t have given him up. Paille scored two goals against Miller and quickly gave the Bruins a 2-0 first period lead.

The Bruins stood tall behind Rask, who was playing in his fourth straight game, and Rask was able to answer the call. He put up a career high 43 saves, 17 in the first alone.

Derek Roy and rookie sensation Tyler Myers put the Sabres on the board. Myers scored a sneaky slap shot goal as he got it past a screen Rask.

The game could not be decided with the extra frame so the shootout commenced. David Krecji put the Sabres away beating Miller glove side.  (WATCH SHOOTOUT HERE )

It was a very big game for both teams, the Bruins did not want to get back to their losing ways and the Sabres, with the loss, are now on a five game losing streak and are now tied for top spot in the North East division with the Ottawa Senators.

It was a big game for the Bruins, as they desperately need to find their winning ways to maintain a playoff spot.  Currently they sit in 9^th place and two points out of 6^th in the Eastern Conference.

Playing in his second game on the first line, Paille was able to take advantage of the situations given to him. He scored on a wrap around goal early in the first and followed it up with a tip in goal off a Zdeno Chara slap shot. Paille has been one of the harder working Bruins during their losing skid and it is nice to see him rewarded with a pair of goals. It is not secret that the Bruins have had their troubles in the offensive category this season, so two goals from a player who doesn’t normally score is always welcome.

The Tim Thomas rumors have not slowed down; sources placing him in rumors with the Blackhawks, Stars and Capitals, but none have been confirmed. Personally, the Bruins should not be thinking about trading their Vezina winner, but nothing can be ruled out at this point. Thomas has been a rock for the Bruins over the past few seasons, but that hasn’t stopped his name from being tossed around.

The Bruins have two remaining games before the Olympic break.  Their next game is in Tampa Bay on the 11^th against the Lightning and they will be in Florida to play the Panthers on the 13^th before the break. These are a valuable four points for the Bruins and both are very winnable games. What they do at the trade deadline could depend on the results of these final two games.

Till next time!

————–

Follow me on Twitter @bMacdonald8.