Shootout, Sabres 1-0:
Sabres win 3-2
First round:
Tyler Seguin stopped by Ryan Miller
Thomas Vanek stopped by Anton Khudobin
Second round:
Patrice Bergeron stopped by Ryan Miller
Nathan Gerbe stopped by Anton Khudobin
Third round:
Brad Marchand stopped by Ryan Miller
Drew Stafford scores
Sabres win.
End overtime, 2-2: The Bruins were given a power play with just 3.7 seconds to play, but they were unable to score before the final buzzer. That means this is going to a shootout. It will be the first of Anton Khudobin’s career.
Overtime, 3:50, 2-2: Anton Khudobin made two big saves to begin the overtime period, including a game-saver against Thomas Vanek.
Overtime, 0:01, 2-2: Overtime is underway here at the Garden.
Third period, 19:33, 2-2: Just like that, the party has been spoiled — for now at least.
Thomas Vanek just throws the puck at the net, and it’s tipped home by Cody Hodgson. What a gut punch for the Bruins.
Third period, 19:12, Bruins 2-1: Andrew Ference, just moments after his game-saving save, is going to the penalty box.
The defenseman was whistled for delay of game, and the Bruins will have to fight and claw for this win.
Third period, 19:00, Bruins 2-1: Andrew Ference just made a brilliant play as he went sliding through the Boston crease to rob a goal behind Anton Khudobin.
The Buffalo net is empty.
Third period, 11:31, Bruins 2-1: More of the same in the last few minutes from the Bruins, thanks in large part to the play of the Patrice Bergeron line.
The boys are back together, and Bergeron along with Tyler Seguin and Brad Marchand, have had themselves a game. They just had another scoring chance, this time a wrist shot from Seguin in the slot, but Ryan Miller made the glove save.
Third period, 9:57, Bruins 2-1: The Bruins used their penalty kill to swing games on multiple occasions earlier in the season, and they just got another one of those game-changing kills.
The B’s killed off Milan Lucic’s four-minute penalty in impressive fashion, using nothing but hard work and hustle. The PK once again generated chances for Boston, with Daniel Paille (who else) getting after loose pucks in the Buffalo zone.
The Bruins are really starting to outclass and outmuscle the Sabres in the third, and they’ve outshot Buffalo 13-5 in the final period.
Third period, 4:57, Bruins 2-1: Yet again, the Bruins will have to kill a penalty.
Milan Lucic was called for high-sticking, and it’s a double-minor. The B’s have their work cut out for them.
Third period, 4:14, Bruins 2-1: The Sabres couldn’t score on the power play. In fact, they didn’t come close.
The Bruins did, though, when Daniel Paille got loose on a breakaway. He used his speed to get separation, but he couldn’t quite find the finishing touch, and Ryan Miller sprawled to make the save to keep out the shorthanded bid.
Third period, 0:49, Bruins 2-1: Patrice Bergeron has been one of the Bruins’ best players in this one, but they’ll be without him for the next two minutes.
The center was just called for hooking, and the Bruins have a power play to kill here early in the third.
Third period, 0:01, Bruins 2-1: The third period is underway with the Bruins looking to hold on to this lead.
Second period reaction: The second period was just about as good as the first period was for the Bruins, and they can say they have the lead through 40 minutes.
After everyone got the emotional stuff out of the way and was able to start really focusing on hockey, we saw play start to pick up in the second. Things got noticeably chippier and more physical on both sides, and it started to look like a game between two teams that really don’t seem to like each other very much. After delivering just five hits in the first period, the Bruins bit back in the second with nine hits and really upped the physical ante. They also showed no fear in defending one another, as Zdeno Chara went after Pat Kaleta at one point, while Gregory Campbell and Dennis Seidenberg both stood up for Jaromir Jagr after the forward was bullied by John Scott.
The Bruins’ line of Daniel Paille, Chris Kelly and Nathan Horton has been their best of the night. The trio has looked sharp and fast, and they have accounted for both Bruins goals. They’ve been gritty goals, too, with Kelly working hard to feed Paille in the first and with Kelly showing no quit in eventually stuffing home Boston’s second goal.
End second period, Bruins 2-1: The second period started a little slow and a little sloppy, but things got pretty entertaining — especially if you’re a Bruins fan.
The B’s take the 2-1 lead into the dressing room. We’ll have some more in a few minutes.
Second period, 14:48, Bruins 2-1: Chris Kelly continues to impress in his return to the Bruins lineup, and he just gave the B’s the lead.
Kelly jammed home a puck in front of the net to score a gritty goal by just outworking Christian Erhoff. The score puts the B’s back on top 2-1.
Second period, 14:01, 1-1: Things are really picking up in the nasty department. After a whistle, it was John Scott who went after Jaromir Jagr of all people. That happened right in front of the Boston bench. So, as you might expect, it didn’t go over that well. Some pushing and shoving ensued, and that was that.
Second period, 12:19, 1-1: The physical intensity of this game is definitely starting to pick up here in the second period. Unsurprisingly, Brad Marchand finds himself in the middle of a lot of the extra stuff, and he seems unafraid to mix it up after the whistle, despite playing in his first game since suffering a concussion.
Second period, 10:20, 1-1: Sorry for the lack of updates, but we just had some nonstop, end-to-end action that didn’t lend much time to update.
Anyway, the Sabres came out playing pretty sharp hockey in the second period, and they looked to be controlling the pace. However, behind a crowd that’s willing them back to better play, the Bruins have responded.
They had a fine chance when Jaromir Jagr hit Brad Marchand with a gorgeous pass through the neutral zone, but Marchand was stopped by Ryan Miller while also being slowed some by the Buffalo defense.
Both Marchand and Patrice Bergeron look very good in their returns to the lineup.
Second period, 0:05, 1-1: The second period is underway.
First period reaction: Let me start by saying that the pregame ceremony was done perfectly. It was understated, but strong. It was poignant and also galvanizing. It was just terrific, and it obviously hit a high point when this sellout crowd took over for Rene Rancourt and belted out the national anthem. It was a truly unforgettable moment that those who saw it both live and on TV will never forget.
The game started off pretty sloppy, which was to be expected. Both teams were likely full of emotion and likely jitters, and it showed with some uneven play. The Bruins got on the board first with some great forechecking and a gorgeous centering pass from Chris Kelly who fed Daniel Paille and he put it by Ryan Miller.
From there, though, Miller was really good. The Bruins tested him early and often with 12 first-period shots, which Miller stopped 11. The Bruins’ top two lines looked to be clicking. The reunion of Brad Marchand, Tyler Seguin and Patrice Bergeron combined for a few scoring opportunities and four shots on goal. Bergeron doesn’t look to have missed a step. He’s a perfect 5-for-5 in the faceoff circle and he’s already logged 6:17 of ice time. David Krejci, who is also skating with new linemates in Gregory Campbell and Jaromir Jagr, has also been impressive in the circle, winning all three draws he’s taken. That line had a couple of scoring chances of their own, the best coming when Jagr passed a puck through the slot to Krejci who couldn’t quite gain control of the puck.
End first period, 1-1: An emotional first period comes to an end with the game tied 1-1 here at the Garden.
We’ll try to break it down in just a few minutes.
First period, 18:20, 1-1: The Sabres have tied the game, and of course, it was Thomas Vanek.
The longtime Bruins nemesis scored on the power play when he tipped in a Christian Erhoff shot from the point.
First period, 17:44, Bruins 1-0: Boston’s penalty kill must do it again just a few minutes later.
This time, it’s Zdeno Chara going for interference.
First period, 15:17, Bruins 1-0: The Bruins were able to kill off the penalty, and as they had earlier in the season, they appeared to get a jump from the kill.
That led directly to a pair of chances for Chris Kelly who was once again fantastic on the PK. He’s been great since he returned.
First period, 12:53, Bruins 1-0: The Bruins’ power play didn’t produce much of anything, as they struggled to control the puck in the Buffalo zone.
The Bruins will actually have to kill off a penalty of their own now. Brad Marchand was called for a very suspect tripping call, meaning the Boston penalty kill goes to work for the first time. That unit will be happy to get Patrice Bergeron back after a suspect showing Saturday night at Carolina.
First period, 8:43, Bruins 1-0: It is not a good night to be the Buffalo Sabres. This building is rocking, and it keeps getting louder.
It may really go nuts if the Bruins score on the power play they’re about to go on. Jochen Hecht gets called for slashing, and the first power play belongs to Boston.
First period, 5:45, Bruins 1-0: Annnnd TD Garden just erupted.
The Bruins get on the board first when Daniel Paille scores on a pass from Chris Kelly to give the B’s a 1-0 lead just a few minutes into play.
First period, 0:10, 0-0: The game is under way after one of the most unforgettable pregame scenes you will ever see.
7:15 p.m.: There is a hockey game to be played tonight as well. The Bruins need just one point to clinch a playoff spot. There’s also a chance the B’s end the night in first place as well. Montreal is playing right now in Pittsburgh, and Boston sits just one point behind the Canadiens, so a Bruins win and a Canadiens regulation loss would propel the B’s into first place with a game in hand as well.
7:10 p.m.: The Bruins’ lines look to be the same as they were in morning skate.
The highlights of those lines include Milan Lucic skating on the “fourth line” while Nathan Horton goes to the “third line.” Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron return to the lineup alongside their old buddy Tyler Seguin. And David Krejci gets to skate alongside countryman Jaromir Jagr as well as Gregory Campbell.
7 p.m.: The Bruins and Sabres have taken the ice for pregame warmups. Anton Khudobin will get the start for Boston, while Ryan Miller will go for Buffalo.
The Bruins usually take the ice for pregame warmups to a Kanye West song. Tonight, they came out to the Dropkick Murphys’ “State of Massachusetts” instead.
6:50 p.m.: As mentioned earlier, the Garden doors have opened, and fans are filing in at a pretty good rate.
I’ve already seen a handful of American flags as well as countless signs. Some have opted for a combination of both holding flags reading things like “Believe in Boston” or similar sayings.
6:45 p.m.: Garden organist Ron Poster just wrapped up his version of The Standells’ “Dirty Water” which is the song both the Red Sox and Bruins play after winning a game. It’s obviously a staple in the city, and I’ve got to think it won’t be the last time we hear it on this evening, regardless of whether the Bruins win or lose.
6:30 p.m.: The gates have opened, later than normal with the 7:30 start, and plenty of fans have already filed in. It seems like there’s more fans in here an hour before puck drop than usual. You have to imagine that has a lot to do with folks taking it a little safer as to avoid the long security lines outside.
Forgot to mention this earlier, but the Bruins will also make a sizable donation to the Marathon tragedy victims. You can read more about all of those donations by clicking here.
5:40 p.m.: Good evening and welcome to TD Garden. Security was admittedly beefed up on the way into the arena, which was to be expected. In fact, it’s a welcomed sight. If you’re heading in for the game, hopefully you’re reading this from your phone while waiting in line to get in, as it’s going to take a little while longer than normal to enter. That’s likely fine by everyone.
The Bruins and TD Garden certainly have the Boston Marathon victims on their mind tonight. As I type, they’re putting the finishing touches on some of the new board stickers in the corners of the rink. The stickers feature the website OneFundBoston.org, and also have the blue and yellow ribbon to remember the Marathon.
That’s not all, either. The Garden scoreboard was bordered by blue and yellow ribbons a little earlier, as were the message boards that wrap around the entire arena. You can see what I mean by clicking here.
Members of the Bruins and TD Garden staffs are all wearing blue and yellow ribbons as well.
In terms of pregame ceremonies, all we really know at this point is that the Bruins will show a video montage as a tribute before Rene Rancourt sings the national anthem. That’s going to be one of the best anthems you’ll ever hear, so be sure you don’t miss that.
As a reminder, NESN will not be broadcasting the game. Unfortunately, this was one of the games NBC Sports has taken, and they’ll have coverage of this one instead.
3 p.m.: Here’s a quick programming reminder. The Bruins and Sabres will not be seen on NESN tonight. Unfortunately, it’s a national broadcast that you’ll be able to see on NBC Sports Network.
2:20 p.m.: Here’s a little bit of good news to help you along during your Wednesday.
The Bruins just announced that they, along with the NHL, NHLPA and TD Garden will combine to donate $250,000 to The One Fund, a charity raising money for the victims and their families of Monday’s tragic events.
The Bruins also announced that winger Brad Marchand will put suite tickets for the first Bruins playoff game up for raffle. The proceeds will go to the Richard family, who lost 8-year-old Martin in Monday’s attacks.
2 p.m.: Wade Redden, who the Bruins acquired on trade deadline day, will be in the B’s lineup for the first time Wednesday. Boston coach Claude Julien confirmed that as well Wednesday morning.
We don’t have any news on the starting goalie, however. Both Tuukka Rask and Anton Khudobin left the ice during morning skate at about the same time.
“He’s at our end,” Julien joked when asked about which goaltender would be the starter against the Sabres.
1:55 p.m.: There’s a ton going on yet again, but first a couple of lineup changes to pass along.
Bruins head coach Claude Julien informed the media a little earlier that both Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron will be in the lineup for this game. Both have been out recently with concussions. For Bergeron, it will be his first game since April 2, while Marchand will be back in the lineup for the first time since April 10.
10:57 a.m.: Brad Marchand was spotted with Patrice Bergeron and Tyler Seguin at morning skate. Milan Lucic was skating with Shawn Thornton and Rich Peverley. Check out the rest of the lines here. –JB
10 a.m. ET: We’ll never forget, but we do have to try and move on at some point. The City of Boston will continue to try and do that Wednesday night when professional sports return to The Hub for the first time since Monday’s attacks at the Boston Marathon.
The Bruins rightfully postponed Monday night’s scheduled tilt with the Ottawa Senators, but they’ll get back to work Wednesday night when Buffalo comes to town. The Bruins spoke about the impact Monday’s horrific events had on them, but the club also talked about how they know they can play a role in the healing process.
“We have to go out there and do our jobs,” Bruins coach Claude Julien said after practice Tuesday. “You want to show people you are proud to represent this city.”
Wednesday night’s game won’t undo what happened Monday, but hopefully for a few hours at least, it offers some sort of temporary refuge for Boston sports fans. With that being said, there is still plenty at stake for the B’s once they hit the ice.
The B’s are still hoping to clinch a playoff spot, and they can do that with just one point Wednesday night. Luckily for the Bruins, they’re starting to get healthy as the regular season winds down. There’s a good chance Patrice Bergeron will be back in the lineup Wednesday for the B’s. All the club was waiting for Monday before clearing the center was the final go-ahead from the team doctors.
Puck drop from what’s expected to be an emotional, heavy-hearted and likely very loud TD Garden is set for 7:30 p.m.
