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This will be a regular feature and it will include me analyzing the particular game period by period, while updating it, period by period. I will comment on the overall gameplay, the refs, obviously the score, and anything else that might be of particular importance.
Both, the Rangers and Bruins, play their first game of the season tonight. Opening up at home, the Bruins look to get a win against they only team they finished behind last season. As for the Rangers, they play their first game with Rick Nash and without Dubinsky and Anisimov. These two teams are considered heavyweights in the Eastern Conference so it will be important for both to get off to a good start and steal some points for one another.
Prediction: Rangers ( 3 - 2 )
Join me after the jump for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd period analysis of this game.
First Period Comments
The period started off with both teams exchanging bodies here and there. The Bruins were more consistent with their physical play and their goal scoring opportunities. In general, the Rangers looked like they got outplayed. Its hard to say if the Bruins look this good, or if the Rangers have just looked bad.
It is quite obvious that training camp was short because the Blueshirts can't seem to click...at least they haven't right away. For example, there were times when the puck was dumped into the corner and the player going in misread where the puck would be sent. Same goes for some of the cycling behind the net.
The best line for the Rangers seemed to be the 4th line. Taylor Pyatt has been solid so far and was even included on a line with Marian Gaborik. King Henrik looked his usual self, though I think he would like that rebound back on the first goal. Still, for a goalie who hasn't played since May 25th, 2012, he looks like the King.
As for the penalties, I was a bit dumbfounded by some of the calls and noncalls. Brian Boyle got 4 minutes for interference and unsportsmanlike conduct. First of all, if the goalie is out of his crease (in this case it looked like at least 2 feet out of it) its FairPlay. That is the offensive players paint and he deserves to put his body in that spot - that should not have been called. And since Boyle knew the call was soft, he probably mouthed off and got another 2 for unsportsmanlike conduct - what a joke.
I suspect that the jitters are finally out of the way for the boys in Blue, and they will come out much differently in the 2nd period. They start off with about 1:55 left on the PowerPlay so hopefully they can build some momentum. And hopefully, the Refs try to stay out of it as much as possible.
Second Period Comments
In the second period we saw goals from both teams. The Bruins made it 2 - 0 after a shot was deflected past Lundqvist. There was nothing he could have done. Anton Stralman lost his man on this play and left Daniel Paille all alone in front of the net.
Minutes later, the Rangers finally got what seemed like their first real chance when Rick Nash carried the puck into the zone, skated in backwards and spun to fire wide. Brad Richards then picked up the puck and after his first attempt on goal was blocked, he one timed his own rebound and beat Tukka Rask who was screened.
There were also 2 fights. The first one was between Mike Rupp and Shawn Thornton. Both landed some early blows but nothing significant here. I would give the bout to the guy in black and yellow. But just seconds later, Stu Bickel and Campbell dropped the gloves. This fight was shorter and more decisive as Bickel connected with Campbell's nose and stunned him. Campbell was cut open pretty significantly and left to get stitched up. Expect him to be back for the third.
The Bruins, once again, had more possession and were more organized than the Rangers. They have one period left in Boston, and Rangers will be looking to finally get some chemistry back.
Note: if it was not for Henrik Lundqvist being Henrik Lundqvist, this game would be over a long time ago.
Third Period Comments
And there you have it folks, 1 down and 47 to go. The conclusion of this game was just as dull as the beginning, middle, and every other part of it. Not too much going on for either team. Both looked sloppy in this period...but especially the Rangers.
Have to give to Lundqvist though, he played well and made a few ridiculous stops, especially one when the Rangers were shorthanded. One shift later though he let in an unlucky goal that found its way through after taking a deflection off his own player.
Another thing that blew my mind was how Lucic received a 10-minute misconduct, yet there was no powerplay for the Rangers. It is a good thing he got kicked out because there was no need for his antiqs that late into the game. Still, the Rangers did not end up on the powerplay and the next shift they ended up shorthanded...again.
Final Score
Boston Bruins win 3 - 1
Bullet Summary
- Boring game
- Both teams looked out of it
- Henrik Lundqvist was my first star of the game
- Milan Lucic is a dirty player
- Rick Nash is talented, but did not help out much today
- Boring game
The End.
Second Period Comments
In the second period we saw goals from both teams. The Bruins made it 2 - 0 after a shot was deflected past Lundqvist. There was nothing he could have done. Anton Stralman lost his man on this play and left Daniel Paille all alone in front of the net.
Minutes later, the Rangers finally got what seemed like their first real chance when Rick Nash carried the puck into the zone, skated in backwards and spun to fire wide. Brad Richards then picked up the puck and after his first attempt on goal was blocked, he one timed his own rebound and beat Tukka Rask who was screened.
There were also 2 fights. The first one was between Mike Rupp and Shawn Thornton. Both landed some early blows but nothing significant here. I would give the bout to the guy in black and yellow. But just seconds later, Stu Bickel and Campbell dropped the gloves. This fight was shorter and more decisive as Bickel connected with Campbell's nose and stunned him. Campbell was cut open pretty significantly and left to get stitched up. Expect him to be back for the third.
The Bruins, once again, had more possession and were more organized than the Rangers. They have one period left in Boston, and Rangers will be looking to finally get some chemistry back.
Note: if it was not for Henrik Lundqvist being Henrik Lundqvist, this game would be over a long time ago.
Third Period Comments
And there you have it folks, 1 down and 47 to go. The conclusion of this game was just as dull as the beginning, middle, and every other part of it. Not too much going on for either team. Both looked sloppy in this period...but especially the Rangers.
Have to give to Lundqvist though, he played well and made a few ridiculous stops, especially one when the Rangers were shorthanded. One shift later though he let in an unlucky goal that found its way through after taking a deflection off his own player.
Another thing that blew my mind was how Lucic received a 10-minute misconduct, yet there was no powerplay for the Rangers. It is a good thing he got kicked out because there was no need for his antiqs that late into the game. Still, the Rangers did not end up on the powerplay and the next shift they ended up shorthanded...again.
Final Score
Boston Bruins win 3 - 1
Bullet Summary
- Boring game
- Both teams looked out of it
- Henrik Lundqvist was my first star of the game
- Milan Lucic is a dirty player
- Rick Nash is talented, but did not help out much today
- Boring game
The End.
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