Max Sauve sends Ryan Spooner in alone with a perfect cross-ice pass. Spooner breaks down the right side, cuts to the front of the net and slips the winner between Poulin’s pads.
Spooner gets both goals on the night, Jack Edwards gets to tell the crowd that “Spooner sticks a fork in it” as the crowd celebrates a 2-1 win for the Bruins.
Overtime, 2:45, 1-1: Alexandrov is alone in front with a chance to win it, but gets stoned by Poulin from the top of the crease.
Overtime, 1:18, 1-1: Good flow to start then extra session. The skill of the Bruins’ rookies should serve them well in the 4-on-4 OT format, and indeed they have been carrying the play in the opening minutes.
End third period, 1-1: We’ve got extra hockey at the Garden, as the clubs will go to a five-minute sudden-death overtime period to try to settle this one.
A shootout will follow if it remains tied.
The Islanders nearly ended it in regulation with a scramble in the Bruins zone in the closing seconds, but Boston held on to get it to OT. Judging by the crowd noise, it doesn’t seem like any of the 14,180 on hand mind sticking around for some more hockey.
Third period, 18:42, 1-1: The Islanders use their timeout to regroup with a face-off in their zone upcoming. Chance for the Bruins to set up something here.
Third period, 16:50, 1-1: Seguin almost puts Boston ahead as he intercepts Poulin’s clearing attempt along the right boards, but Seguin’s shot goes wide as Poulin scrambles to get back in the crease.
Third period, 15:06, 1-1: Steve Kampfer’s point shot from the left side of the blue line nearly sneaks through a crowd in front, but Poulin makes the stop for New York.
Matt Bartkowski then flattens Niederreiter in the corner of the Boston zone to draw a huge cheer from the crowd.
Third period, 12:48, 1-1: More rough stuff, with Jared Knight and Mark Katic mixing it up in the corner, but once again the linesmen are in between them quickly. Each go off for two minutes for roughing.
Two more scrums without penalties quickly follow suit.
Third period, 12:25, 1-1: Almost had our second bout of the night, as Plekaitis and Romano get into it at the New York blue line, but the linesmen jump in right away to prevent it.
Plekaitis gets two for roughing and Romano gets two for elbowing so we’ll skate four a side.
Third period, 9:27, 1-1: Some sloppy play is leading to chances at both ends, as turnovers have created a series of odd-man breaks in both directions.
The Islanders came closest to converting, with Dibenedetto hitting the post from the left wing.
Third period, 8:14, 1-1: The Bruins nearly got a gift goal, as Isles goalie Poulin mishandles a Bruins dump-in. Plekaitis and Wintoneak both have chances in a scramble in the New York crease, but Poulin is able to cover the puck in time.
Third period, 7:34, 1-1: It’s another quiet stretch on the ice as neither team has been able to mount much of a threat the last few minutes.
But it’s anything but quiet here at the Garden as the organ has the large crowd on hand revved up.
Third period, 4:11, 1-1: They’ve just announced the official attendance for this one, and it’s an impressive 14,180.
That’s more than the Bruins regular-season games used to draw on many nights not too long ago. To get that many people out for a rookie game shows just what kind of hockey town this city can be, and how far the club has come in its turnaround in recent years.
The two-night total for the pair of rookie games is 25,651.
Third period, 2:57, 1-1: Not much doing on that power-play chance. The Islanders actually had the best scoring chance when Romano broke down the right wing short-handed and nearly scored his second of the night, but Hutchinson made the stop on the rising shot from the right circle.
Third period, 0:57, 1-1: The Bruins are continuing the pressure here to start the third, and that aggressive play has helped draw a hooking penalty on Rhett Rakhshani, putting the B’s on their third power play of the night.
Second intermission: Joe Colborne just stopped by the press box to speak about his condition after suffering a facial injury in Wednesday’s game.
He said he needed 26 or 28 – he wasn’t sure of the exact number – stitches to close the cut around his nose, but the nose was not broken and he did not suffer a concussion.
He wanted to play in this game, but the Bruins opted to play it safe and keep him out, but he should not be out of action for long.
End second period, 1-1: The Bruins came on strong in the second and were rewarded with a goal to pull even after two periods.
That should set up an entertaining final frame as the clubs have another 20 minutes – or more – to settle this.
The Bruins are still being outshot 20-14, but they held a 10-8 edge in the second period. It was a much better overall frame for Boston, which created plenty of scoring chances and ramped up its physical play.
MacDermid’s fight could be the turning point in this on, as the Bruins definitely appeared to elevate their play after that scrap. The skill has been on display too, with Seguin, Spooner and Sauve in particular making some nice plays.
Seguin nearly set up Arniel with a goal just before Spooner’s strike. Seguin drove down the left side and centered it to Arniel, who pushed it just wide of the right post.
Second period, 17:37, 1-1: And the Bruns finally tie it up with a highlight-reel goal by Ryan Spooner. Make that Ryan Spoooooner as Jack Edwards announced it over the PA to a huge response from the crowd.
Max Sauve had the initial shot from the top right circle, and when the rebound popped up in the air, Spooner batted it it from along the goal-line at the right post.
Second period, 15:26, Islanders 1-0: Craig Cunningham with a bid down low after Ryan Donald pinches in and feeds him a nice pass at the left post, but Cunningham’s backhander is blocked.
That’s just the 11th shot of the night for Boston, while the Islanders have put 20 on Hutchinson.
After the fight, the crowd is much more into this one and the players on both sides seemed to have picked up some energy from the scrap.
Also interesting to note there are many more people up in the upper deck for this one. It will be interesting to get the official attendance after the period to see if there really are more people here or if they’re just better spread out.
Second period, 13:10, Islanders 1-0: Alexandrov almost pulls the Bruins even, first with a chance on a one-timer that he fired wide, then again with a backhander from the slot that gets swallowed up.
After the whistle, Figren and Plekaitis get tangled up in the crease.
There were no penalties on that, but off the ensuing draw, Lane MacDermid and Travis Hamonic drop the mitts for the night’s first bout.
This one was a beauty as they traded punches in front of the B’s bench. The linesmen jumped in early as MacDermid’s jersey came up over his head, but neither player wanted to stop. That is Hamonic’s second fight in as many nights, so he gets the boot by the rules adopted for these rookie games.
Second period, 9:20, Islanders 1-0: It’s getting a little more chippy out there. Arniel and Dibenedetto get in a shoving match behind the New York goal, but no penalties are called.
Got to give Dibenedetto credit, he knows how to get under guys’ skin.
After that, Delahey nails Figren with a huge hit. Figren then tries to run Seguin, but misses. Have to wonder if any Bruins took note of the intent there.
Second period, 7:35, Islanders 1-0: Ryan Spooner comes within inches of tying it, but his shot from the right circle clangs off the near post.
Max Sauve with the setup from the high slot to give Spooner the chance.
Second period, 7:09, Islanders 1-0: Hutchinson with another nice save as Ullstrom drives the net hard, but the B’s goalie makes the stop as the net comes off its moorings.
Second period, 4:30, Islanders 1-0: Much better effort out of the Bruins in this period, as they are starting to pile up some scoring chances.
Yannick Riendeau fires in a sharp shot from the right circle that is saved, then Walker Wintoneak has a chance barreling down the right wing, but his shot goes wide.
Second period,1:34, Islanders 1-0: Tyler Seguin makes a bid for his first goal, trying to stuff it home at the left post while the teams skate 4-on-4, but Poulin shuts the door on the young Bruins star.
Second period, 1:06, Islanders 1-0: And the Islanders give that penalty right back, with David Ullstrom off for tripping just three seconds after Plekaitis’ penalty.
Second period, 1:03, Islanders 1-0: The Bruins continue to have some problems, as Joe Plekaitis is called for interference, giving the Isles a brief 5-on-3 power play.
End first period, Islanders 1-0: The first 20 minutes are in the books, and it was a good frame for the Islanders. Not so much for the Bruins.
Boston managed just four shots to New York’s 12, and only a few big stops by Hutchinson have kept this a one-goal game.
Justin Dibenedetto, who put Joe Colborne out of commission on Wednesday, has as many shots on his own as the entire Bruins team through one period.
There hasn’t been any real rough stuff in this one so far, much like Wednesday night when the first period was more a feeling-out period than a real aggressive one. We’ll see if the action picks up in the final 40 minutes as it did on Wednesday.
The Bruins could use something to wake them up as they have been a bit sluggish in this one.
First period, 18:30, Islanders 1-0: The Bruins will need another penalty kill as Yury Alexandrov goes off for hooking.
Was just about to talk about how Alexandrov has not been very visible in this one. That might sound like criticism, but considering he was usually noticeable on Wednesday when he was making miscues, going unnoticed was actually a good thing. But that was before taking a bad penalty.
First period, 18:30, Islanders 1-0: The Bruins finally get another scoring chance, as Craig Cunningham fires in a testing shot from the left circle while Jordan Caron supplies the screen in front.
That makes the shot count 11-3 now. Make that 12-3 as Hutchinson makes another save.
First period, 16:56, Islanders 1-0: The action has slowed a bit here, and the Garden is definitely quieter than it was at any point last night as the Islanders hold their first lead.
The shot clock at the Garden reads 10-2 in favor of the Islanders, who have come out with a much better effort in this one compared to Wednesday night.
First period, 12:34, Islanders 1-0: The Islanders strike first, taking their first lead of the two-game set.
Tony Romano fired the puck in from the left circle that may have been deflected before it slipped past Hutchinson. Figren and Tony DeHart pick up the assists on the play.
Matt Delahey then took a cross-checking penalty at 12:45, so the Bruins are back on their heels a bit.
First period, 10:30, 0-0: Michael Hutchinson is putting on a show in goal for the Bruins.
He denied Justin Taylor on a bid from the right circle, then stoned Kabanov from the top of the crease on the same shift.
First period, 6:48, 0-0: Good pressure from the Bruins on that power play, though they come away empty.
Bartkowski fired in a shot from the right point that was blocked by Robin Figren, but Figren was hurt on the play and that helped keep the Islanders hemmed in their own zone. Kampfer also made a nice save at the blue line to keep the pressure on.
First period, 6:48, 0-0: The Bruins get the first power play of the night as Niederreiter is called for hooking.
First Period, 3:10, 0-0: Ryan Donald has the first big hit of the night, pinching deep in the New York zone to level Kirill Kabanov.
Kabanov was the guy who mugged Donald in the crease on Wednesday with no penalties called, so a little payback is delivered.
Tyler Randell also threw a big hit on Calvin de Haan. That drew New York tough guy Alex O’Neil over for an apparent challenge, but Randell fought on Wednesday so he will be ejected if he goes again. The Islanders may be asking again, as they weren’t happy Randell fought Niederreiter on Wednesday.
First Period, 3:10, 0-0: Tyler Seguin nearly has a chance at a breakaway after blocking a shot at the Bruins’ blue line, but an Islanders’ defenseman gets to the puck first.
First period, 0:51, 0-0: The Bruins have the first scoring chance as Jordan Caron continues his strong play, gaining control of the puck behind the net and feeding it out front to Lane MacDermid, but the play is broken up.
First period, 0:00, 0-0: And we’re off, with the second rookie game under way at the Garden.
NESN play-by-play man Jack Edwards is once again on PA duty for this one, which looks to have again drawn a big crowd to the Garden.
The lower bowl is already filling up, with fans also sprinkled throughout the upper sections. On Wednesday, it wasn’t until well into the game that fans started to appear in the upper reaches. That could be a sign that Thursday’s match could draw even more than Wednesday’s 11,571.
The Bruins once again open with the Seguin line with Knight and Arniel, while Button and Bartkowski start on defense and Hutchinson is in goal.
The Islanders have the same starting lineup as Wednesday, with Nino Niederreiter, David Ullstrom and Rhett Rakhshani up front and Travis Hamonic and Tony DeHart on defense. Kevin Poulin is in goal is this one for the only change in the starting lineup.
6:50 p.m.: All the preliminaries are done, and the Bruins and Islanders are just about ready for their rookie game rematch at the Garden.
Based on the pre-game warmups, it appears that Antoine Roussel will be the other scratch up front along with Joe Colborne, who will sit this one out after suffering facial injuries in Wednesday night’s game.
Alain Goulet is again out on defense, while Adam Courchaine is not dressed after playing all of Wednesday’s game in goal. Matt Dalton will again serve as the backup, while Michael Hutchinson gets the start in net.
Based on the warmups, the forward lines will be:
Jamie Arniel-Tyler Seguin-Jared Knight
Jordan Caron-Craig Cunningham-Lane MacDermid
Tyler Randell-Ryan Spooner-Max Sauve
Walker Wintoneak-Joe Plekitis-Yannick Riendeau
Cunningham gets the nice upgrade into Colborne’s spot between Caron and MacDermid, who combined for four of the five goals on Wednesday.
On defense, the pairings should be:
Matt Bartkowski-Ryan Button
Matt Delahey-Steve Kampfer
Ryan Donald-Yury Alexandrov
6:25 p.m.: The Bruins’ rookies and their Islanders’ counterparts are just about to take the ice for their pre-game warmups here at the Garden.
But the Bruins’ coverage doesn’t stop with the end of this rookie game, as NESN will also be broadcasting a two-hour special, Back to Work: Bruins Training Camp LIVE from the Garden, with host Kathryn Tappen joined by Andy Brickley, Mike Milbury and Naoko Funayama on Thursday night from 9-11 p.m. There will be plenty of Bruins players as well as management appearing to offer their thoughts on the upcoming season as training camp is set to open on Friday.
The lineup of guests includes Milan Lucic, Tuukka Rask, Nathan Horton, Cam Neely, Claude Julien, Peter Chiarelli, Jordan Caron and Tyler Seguin. I’ll even be making a brief appearance to offer some insight and analysis.
So be sure to check out NESN Thursday night at 9 p.m. to set the stage for the 2010-11 Bruins season.
4 p.m.: Game time is getting closer for the Bruins and Islanders rookies.
Nerves are sure to be a factor in front of another huge crowd at the Garden after Wednesday’s game drew 11,571, but having one game under their belts should make it easier for most of the youngsters on Thursday night.
Goalie Michael Hutchinson doesn’t have that luxury, as he did not play Wednesday. He’ll get the start in goal for Boston in the second game, and he is more eager than nervous to show what he can do on the big stage.
The Islanders will also have a new face in goal, as Kevin Poulin is expected to start Thursday after Mikko Koskinen played on Wednesday.
Bruins forward Jordan Caron hopes to have as much success against Poulin as he did against Koskinen, but Caron cautioned reporters after the morning skate not to expect a hat trick every night.
“No, I know I won’t score three goals every night,” said Caron. “I just want to go out there and have fun and help the team play good.”
Steve Kampfer, who wore the C on Wednesday as Boton’s captain, would just like one goal. He nearly got it on Wednesday when he pinched in from the point on a power play late in the first, only to be robbed point blank by Koskinen.
“I think I replayed that in my head about 30 times,” said Kampfer. “I was kind of mad at myself a little bit for not scoring. You get an opportunity like that you should score.”
Fortunately, Kampfer – and the rest of the Bruins – should get some more opportunities to score in about three hours.
12 p.m.: The Bruins’ rookies have wrapped up their morning skate and media access at the Garden and are getting ready for Thursday’s rematch at the Garden.
Providence coach Rob Murray, who has been overseeing the rookie camp, noted that Joe Colborne’s facial injuries suffered Wednesday night aren’t as serious as initially feared, but he will sit out this game as a precaution.
Yannick Riendeau and Walker Wintoneak, who were health scratches on Wednesday, will be dressed on Thursday. One of them will replace Colborne in the lineup, but Murray has not decided who else will be scratched up front. Alain Goulet will not play again, leaving the defense the same as Wednesday. Michael Hutchinson gets the start in goal and is scheduled to play the full game.
After four fights on Wednesday, the rematch could get ugly, but rules put in place to restrict fighting in these rookie games could prevent too much from happening.
10 a.m.: The first exhibition game of the season is in the books, and it was a memorable one for the Bruins rookies and the 11,571 fans who showed up at the Garden for their first look at Tyler Seguin and Co.
The Boston youngsters didn’t disappoint that huge contingent of Garden faithful, rolling to a 5-2 win over the New York Islanders.
Now they have to try to do it all over again on Thursday night.
This one could be even more interesting, as plenty of bad blood could spill over into the rematch. Wednesday’s game featured four fights and 73 penalty minutes. Fifteen of those PIMs went to Islanders forward Justin Dibenedetto, who was given a five-minute major for elbowing and a game misconduct for a third-period hit on Joe Colborne that left the Bruins’ 2008 first-round pick bleeding profusely and needing a trip to the hospital Wednesday night.
Colborne isn’t expected to play in Thursday’s game, but there should still be plenty of skill on display, and plenty of potential for more fireworks.
The game starts at 7 p.m., so check back throughout the day and during the contest for updates on all the action.
