Bruins Live Blog: Sidney Crosby, Penguins Take 5-3 Win Over B’s at Garden

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Apr 3, 2012

Bruins Live Blog: Sidney Crosby, Penguins Take 5-3 Win Over B's at GardenFinal, Penguins 5-3: The Bruins drop their penultimate home game, as the Penguins strengthen their hold on fourth place in the East with a two-goal win at the Garden.

The Bruins got two goals from the Krejci line, one each by Milan Lucic and Rich Peverley, but Sidney Crosby scored a pair and the Penguins cashed in on two power plays late in the second period to pull this one out.

The Bruins next head to Ottawa on Thursday for a possible preview of a opening-round playoff clash.

Third Period, 19:30, Penguins 5-3: Turco has to head back to the net as the Bruins are shorthanded with Zdeno Chara taking a late tripping penalty.

Third Period, 18:41, Penguins 5-3: The Bruins' net is empty as Marty Turco heads to the bench for the extra attacker.

Third Period, 15:27, Penguins 5-3: Another player goes down in what has been a costly game to both sides. This time it's Pittsburgh forward Joe Vitale, who is hit up high by a Chara shot and heads to the locker room after staying down for several minutes.

Third Period, 15:13, Penguins 5-3: Zdeno Chara nearly pulls Boston within a goal with a strong drive to the net, but can't put it home at the right post and the Bruins also can't get to the rebound left in the crease.

Third Period, 12:21, Penguins 5-3: The Bruins can't convert that power-play chance and time has now become their enemy as well as the Penguins with Boston trailing by two with less than eight minutes to play.

Third Period, 10:21, Penguins 5-3: The Bruins will get their first power play of the night as Sidney Crosby is called for delay of game for sending the puck out of play.

Third Period, 8:04, Penguins 5-3: The Bruins get one back off a nice rush by Milan Lucic, setting up Rich Peverley for the goal.

Lucic came down his off wing, flipping a backhand pass across the crease to Peverley, who put it home at the left post with a backhand of his own.

Third Period, 6:45, Penguins 5-2: Things go from bad to worse for the Bruins as Johnny Boychuk is injured in a collision with Asham. Boychuk went down in pain in the Bruins zone and had to be helped off the ice.

Third Period, 6:15, Penguins 5-2: The Penguins extend the lead as the Pittsburgh fourth line strikes for a goal.

Craig Adams fired in the shot from the left circle and Arron Asham redirected it in front from the top of the crease.

Third Period, 3:15, Penguins 4-2: Mark Recchi is in the building and gets a big ovation when shown on the jumbotron. Recchi has strong ties to both of these organizations, having started his hall of fame career with Pittsburgh and ended it winning a Cup with Boston.

Third Period, 1:15, Penguins 4-2: Tyler Seguin is in alone with another breakaway chance, but fires high from the top of the crease.

Third Period, 0:32, Penguins 4-2: The Bruins almost get another goal at the start of a period as Benoit Pouliot nearly deflects home a Torey Krug point shot.

Third Period, 0:00, Penguins 4-2: The final frame is under way here at the Garden, where the Bruins will need a rally to pull this one out down two goals with 20 minutes to play.

Second Intermission Notes: The action picked up quickly late in the second period, but not to the Bruins' benefit. Pittsburgh took advantage of two Boston penalties eight seconds apart to score two late power-play goals for a 4-2 lead after two periods at the Garden.

Those goals sandwiched a lengthy and spirited scrap between Andrew Ference and James Neal in the eventful closing minutes.There was nearly another fight earlier when the Penguins took exception to Daniel Paille's hit on Matt Niskanen. Arron Asham challenged Paille, but was grabbed by Gregory Campbell, while Shawn Thornton cut off Deryk Engelland as he tried to get to Paille. Niskanen went to the locker room and Paille was given a minor for charging for the lone penalty on the play.

The Bruins did a better job in most of the physical areas in the second, although Pittsburgh still has the edge overall. Boston and Pittsburgh each had 11 hits in the middle frame, with the Penguins up 29-19 overall. Boston also had a 4-2 advantage in blocked shots in the period, but Pittsburgh remains up 10-5 overall in that category. The faceoffs likewise evened out at 11-11 in the second, but remain 24-20 in favor of Pittsburgh for the game.

Torey Krug has played 12:34 so far in his pro debut with the Bruins. He has a pair of shots, but has struggled at times, most notably with a turnover deep in the Boston zone that led to a Pittsburgh scoring chance early in the second period.

End Second Period, Penguins 4-2: After pulling even early in the second, the Bruins find themselves down a pair once again as the Penguins take advantage of a pair of late Boston penalties.

Second Period, 18:59, Penguins 4-2: The Penguins add another power-play goal as Sidney Crosby scores his second of the night on a tap-in at the left post.

Second Period, 18:27, Penguins 3-2: The gloves come off as Andrew Ference and James Neal engage in a furious fight behind the Boston net. Ference gave up a lot of size and took some shots, but landed a few of his own as well in a very spirited scrap.

Second Period, 18:11, Penguins 3-2: The Penguins take advantage of the penalties and take the lead again on a James Neal goal.

Neal fired the shot from the right circle for the goal.

Second Period, 17:29, 2-2: The Penguins will have a two-man advantage for 1:52 as Rich Peverley joins Paille in the box for high-sticking.

Second Period, 17:20, 2-2: The Penguins will now have a power-play chance as Daniel Paille goes for charging after a hit on Matt Niskanen, who heads to the locker room.

Second Period, 16:05, 2-2: The Penguins putting some pressure on the Bruins now, but Turco has been up to the task. His biggest save came on Tyler Kennedy, who was wide open for a clear shot from the right circle that caught Turco up high.

Second Period, 13:15, 2-2: The hitting is picking up again, with the Bruins doing a better job of delivering the blows this period. Daniel Paille just nailed Arron Asham into the boards in front of the Bruins bench, not far from where Milan Lucic slammed Brooks Orpik a few shifts earlier.

Second Period, 10:27, 2-2: The Bruins are up to 20 shots on Brent Johnson just over midway through the game. Marty Turco has faced 15 thus far as it remains deadlocked midway through the second period at the Garden.

Second Period, 7:40, 2-2: The Penguins nearly sneak one in as Pascal Dupuis fires a quick shot in from the left slot that appeared to take Turco a bit by surprise, but it hits the outside of the post as the game remains tied.

Second Period, 3:37, 2-2: Some trouble for the youngster as Torey Krug coughs up the puck deep in his own zone. Johnny Boychuk covers for him to help break up the threat, but the Bruins can't clear and eventually have to ice the puck, and the Crosby line threatens again off the faceoff before Turco can tie up the puck for another whistle and a line change.

Second Period, 1:08, 2-2: The Bruins nearly take the lead as Brad Marchand and Tyler Seguin break in 2 on 0. Marchand sends the pass over to Seguin on the right side, but Johnson gets a piece to deny the bid.

Second Period, 0:18, 2-2: The Bruins need just 18 seconds to pull even, as Milan Lucic scores off a great feed from David Krejci.

Krejci collected a rebound in front and flipped a pass behind his back to Lucic for the easy tap-in from the left slot.

Second Period, 0:00, Penguins 2-1: The middle frame is under way here at the Garden, where the Bruins will look to try to build upon their late goal by Benoit Pouliot and pull even in this clash between playoff-bound Eastern Conference clubs.

First Intermission Notes: The Bruins fell behind early, but managed to pick up a little momentum late and go into the first intermission down just a goal at 2-1.

Boston outshot the Penguins 13-10 in the first, but that was about the only area the Bruins had the better of the visitors. Even in areas where the Bruins usually excel, they were beaten at their own game. That included the faceoff circle, where Boston is just 9-13 (41 percent) and in the physical play, where the Penguins hold an 18-8 lead in hits. Just five Bruins recorded hits in the first, led by Milan Lucic's three. Pittsburgh had double that with 10 players with hits, led by Jordan Staal's game-high four.

The Bruins got their goal from the third line with Benoit Pouliot scoring from Chris Kelly and Brian Rolston. That trio was separated on Sunday when Rolston had to center the fourth line with Gregory Campbell out, but they picked up right where they left off when reunited. Pittsburgh's surprising scoring star has continued his torrid play as well, with Pascal Dupuis setting up Sidney Crosby's goal to start the scoring. Dupuis has now scored a point in 15 straight games, the longest streak in the NHL this season.

End First Period, Penguins 2-1: The opening frame comes to a close with Pittsburgh up a goal but Boston grabbing some momentum late after Benoit Pouliot cut the deficit in half in final minutes of the period.

First Period, 18:49, Penguins 2-1: Milan Lucic and Evgeni Malkin exchange hits as things start to heat up again late in the opening period.

First Period, 16:57, Penguins 2-1: The Bruins answer back on a pretty goal from Benoit Pouliot.

Pouliot drove down the middle, around Paul Martin and lifted a backhander up and over Brent Johnson and just under the crossbar from the left slot. Chris Kelly and Brian Rolston pick up the assists as that line continues to produce.

First Period, 14:58, Penguins 2-0: The Penguins extend the lead with defenseman Paul Martin joining the attack and scoring on a rebound in front.

Tyler Kennedy had the initial shot from the right wing, with Martin driving the net for the follow-up, which Turco got a piece of. But the puck just dribbled over the line. After a review, the goal stands and the Penguins are up a pair late in the first.

First Period, 13:44, Penguins 1-0: The Bruins threaten again as Daniel Paille takes advantage of Deryk Engelland playing without a stick after the Penguins defenseman broke his twig. Paille skates around him down the left wing and centers it out through the crease, where the puck nearly deflects in off the traffic in front.

First Period, 11:09, Penguins 1-0: The Bruins nearly pull even as Tyler Seguin is sent in a partial breakaway down the right wing, but Johnson makes the stop as Seguin drives to the net.

First Period, 7:41, Penguins 1-0: The extra space pays off for the Penguins, with Sidney Crosby opening the scoring.

Pascal Dupuis extends his point streak to 15 games as he drops the puck from the side of the net to Crosby in front, and Crosby roofs it to the far top corner for the goal.

First Period, 7:20, 0-0: Things heat up a bit as Milan Lucic and James Neal start jawing and shoving in front of the benches. Both get two minutes for roughing and it will be 4-on-4 action for the next couple minutes.

First Period, 6:52, 0-0: This one is off to a bit of a slow start as the clubs feel each other out in the early going. They've combined for just four shots so far, though the Bruins do have three of them.

First Period, 2:28, 0-0: The Bruins kill that penalty off, with Rich Peverley actually having the best scoring chance shorthanded with a wraparound attempt at the left post.

First Period, 0:28, 0-0: The Bruins will have an early penalty to kill as David Krejci is called for delay of game on the contest's opening shift.

First Period, 0:00, 0-0: This one is under way here at the Garden, where the Bruins and Penguins will clash for the final time this season barring a possible playoff matchup down the road.

7:35 p.m.: Before the start of this one, there was a little hardware, not to mention a couple of Mazdas, to give out with the awarding of the NESN 7th Player Award as voted by fans on NESN.com.

Tyler Seguin takes the award as he leads the Bruins with 27-38-65 totals in a breakthrough sophomore campaign.

7:30 p.m.: The Bruins will open with David Krejci between Milan Lucic and Rich Peverley up front, with Andrew Ference and Joe Corvo on defense and Marty Turco in goal.

The Penguins counter with Sidney Crosby between Pascal Dupuis and Steve Sullivan up front, with Paul Martin and Kris Letang on the blue line and Brent Johnson in net.

7:25 p.m.: The Bruins have officially scratched Adam McQuaid (eye), Jordan Caron (flu), Greg Zanon, Mike Mottau and Tim Thomas.

Ben Lovejoy, Eric Tangradi, Dustin Jeffrey and Richard Park are out for Pittsburgh.

7:15 p.m.: The Bruins had rookie Torey Krug skating with Johnny Boychuk in warm-ups and it appears he will make his NHL debut on that pairing.

Mike Mottau, Greg Zanon and Adam McQuaid (eye) look to be the scratches on defense. Mottau was the only one of the three who took the warm-up, but did not skate in the line rushes.

The forward line combinations from warm-ups:

Lucic-Krejci-Peverley

Marchand-Bergeron-Seguin

Pouliot-Kelly-Rolston

Paille-Campbell-Thornton

Defense pairs:

Chara-Seidenberg

Ference-Corvo

Krug-Boychuck

7 p.m.: It's a battle of backups in the net, with Marty Turco and Brent Johnson leading the teams out for warm-ups.

That will be the goalie matchup in this one as expected.

6:45 p.m.: The Bruins will give Tim Thomas some needed rest as he will not only not start this game, but will not even dress.

Marty Turco will get the nod in goal, with recently recalled netminder Anton Khudobin backing him up.

In addition to the goalie switch, rookie Torey Krug will make his NHL debut on defense. Adam McQuaid remains out after suffering a cut over his eye that required 18 stitches to close last Thursday.

Jordan Caron is also out up front with the flu, while Gregory Campbell returns after sitting out Sunday's game in New York.

Sidney Crosby is a little sick himself, but it's not a virus ailing the Pittsburgh star. Instead, he was none too pleased about the comments Mike Milbury made about him on Monday.

The Bruins were in better spirits on Tuesday, enjoying the fact that they have become the first Northeast Division team to repeat as champions. Tyler Seguin and Brad Marchand are also in good spirits as they enjoy some friendly competition going for the 30-goal milestone and the team lead in goals.

6:30 p.m.: The Bruins and Penguins will clash here at the Garden in about an hour.

The Bruins are locked into their playoff spot having clinched the Northeast Division and the No. 2 seed in the East, but the Penguins still have plenty to play for as they are battling for home ice in the likely 4-5 matchup in the East.

The Penguins currently have the fourth spot, but they are just one point ahead of Philadelphia, which hosts the Rangers on Tuesday.

8 a.m. ET: With just three games remaining in the regular season and the No. 2 seed in the East locked up, the Bruins will spend the next week readying for the playoffs while trying not to lose the edge they've gained on their recent torrid streak.

Boston enters Tuesday night's contest against the Penguins having gone 7-1-1 in its last nine games. The biggest win was Sunday against the New York Rangers, where the B's came out of Madison Square Garden with a 2-1 come-from-behind win.

The Bruins (47-28-4, 98 points) now turn their attention to the Penguins (48-25-6, 102 points), who have clinched a playoff spot and look to be a major contender in the fight for the Stanley Cup.

Pittsburgh has been uneven lately, losing five of its last nine, but the Penguins reeled off 11 in a row before that.

Pittsburgh holds the edge over the Bruins this season, winning 5-2 in March and 2-1 in February to Boston's sole victory in the series, a 3-1 win in December.

The Bruins called up AHL goalie Anton Khudobin on Monday to spell Tim Thomas as Boston prepares for the playoffs. Tuukka Rask is still not ready to return, and Marty Turco is unavailable for the playoffs.

Boston returns home with Dennis Seidenberg looking healthy. The defenseman missed a couple of games with an infected cut on his leg but returned Sunday against the Rangers and scored the equalizer in the win.

Still in question is Adam McQuaid, whose hard hit into the boards against the Washington Capitals on Thursday knocked him out of the game. He did not make the trip to New York after being rattled by the injury.

The puck drops at 7:30 p.m. Tune in to NESN to watch the game, and stay with the NESN.com live blog, as we'll keep you up to speed on everything happening.

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