While there were definitely some negatives from the win on Long Island Saturday, namely Michael Ryder's brain cramp with a hit-from-behind on Blake Comeau, and the fact the Bruins were outshot 35-18 in the final two periods, there is a lot to like.
Probably the biggest sign that this team may be able to make a strong playoff push — and maybe salvage this disappointing season — would be the sudden emergence of a strong goaltending tandem. Tuukka Rask won four straight heading into the Olympic break and then faltered a bit in the 4-1 loss to Montreal. He also injured his knee and has missed two straight games.
But guess what? The Bruins still have a more than capable guy to come off the bench and share the load in reigning Vezina Trophy winner Tim Thomas. Thomas has looked like the Thomas of the last two seasons that stole so many games. Yesterday, he should've been charged with grand larceny as he made 37 saves (33 in the final two periods) and has now stopped 61of 65 shots faced in his last two games. He is 2-0-0 since the break after going six straight games without a win.
"The game he played before this one he was outstanding as well," Bruins coach Claude Julien said. "You're not a Vezina Trophy winner one year and the next year you're not a good goaltender. It's just about finding his game, and he's finding it at the right time."
Another positive sign is the gradual re-emergence of Milan Lucic. On Thursday against Toronto, Lucic dropped the gloves for only the third time this season. This time, he took on one of the best heavyweights in Colton Orr and while he lost, running out of steam at the end (not quitting as Don Cherry accused him of), Lucic should be praised for taking on a superior fighter in Orr. His physical game is coming back and as a result, his scoring touch could be too. Lucic scored Saturday and it's clear that he needs to have that physical element to be effective. Hopefully, it's back for good!
David Krejci had two goals and an assist in five games for the Czech Republic in the Olympics and looked like he had finally found his game. The momentum has carried over for Krejci who broke out with 73 points last season and scored a goal today.
If he continues this, it will be a huge factor for a goal starved team that is ranked last in the NHL and failed to add a scorer at the trade deadline. With Patrice Bergeron already having a great season (he had an assist Saturday) and leading the team in scoring, and Marc Savard playing much better since his return from a partial ligament tear in his knee, the depth at center is finally showing on the ice for the Bruins.
Speaking of Savard, he also scored his 10th goal Saturday and since he never got that scoring winger he wanted from the trade deadline, Savard goals could be the answer. If his wingers can't do it, then maybe Savard needs to shoot more and light the lamp.
