The Boston Bruins pulled off a crucial win over the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday night to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Bruins didn’t get all the help they needed from the Toronto Maple Leafs, who did beat the Philadelphia Flyers but in OT, which gave Philadelphia the point they needed to maintain control of its destiny.
General Manager Don Sweeney made the choice to go for it this season, hanging on to pending UFA Loui Eriksson, and adding LW Lee Stempniak and defenseman John-Michael Liles.
It has now reached the end point of the season. Win, and the Bruins need some help from the New York Rangers. Game 82 could spell the end for Claude Julien, or it could propel the Bruins to a much needed return to the playoffs.
Torey Krug will need to play a big role once again vs Ottawa. In addition to the gifted passing ability and lethal shot, Krug’s defense will need to step up against the electric Erik Karlsson and company. With Zdeno Chara logging around 24:00 min of ice time a game, Krug, the Miller’s (Collin and Kevan) and Adam McQuaid, will have to prove they can be counted on.
The return of David Krejci to the scorers column is win on its own. When Krejci is hot, the Bruins tend to be electric on the power play and 5-on-5. Krejci tallied two assists in the 5-2 vs the Red Wings, bringing his total assists up to 46 on the injury shortened year. His linemate Loui Eriksson was the sparkplug in the game vs. the Carolina Hurricanes which netted them a point before their win vs. Detroit.
An in sync duo spells trouble for the Senators and even a future playoff opponent. By mid afternoon on Saturday, answers will be given, results seen, and the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs will begin.
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