Bruins Nation

With the same weird lines as Saturday (except Hunwick in for Allen) the Bruins went into Pittsburgh looking for a win before their Christmas vacation. Alex Auld played yesterday afternoon instead of Thomas, and was exceptional, but great goaltending won't do anything unless there are goal-scorers in front of you. Luckily the Patriots, who were playing at the same time, got a win. They beat the Dolphins 28-7. I managed to watch both games at the same time (I had two TV's in front of my couch for the afternoon).

The Bruins, despite what the score and Saturday's game would have you think, did want it. Early in the first period, Axelsson put in the rebound from Chara's drive and the Bruins had the lead going into the second. The Penguins then scored three times in a row. First was Gary Roberts putting in a great pass from Georges Laraque. Then on the power play, Evgeni Malkin managed to score high blocker side. And 30 seconds later, Gary Roberts passed across the ice to Laraque who tipped it past Auld and the Penguins were out of nowhere up by 2. The Bruins payed really aggressively for the rest of the second period, but were pretty flat in the thrid until it was too late. With under a minute left and auld on the bench, Nokelainen redirected Peter Shaefer's shot between the legs of Conklin. But it was too little too late and the Penguins won 4-2 when Roberts got an empty net goal.

2 things: 1. I'm very disapointed that Chara and Laraque didn't fight again and 2. I just want to point out that everyone believes this team is better then last year's, but after 36 games last season the Bruins had 41 points. this season we only have 40.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of Bruins Nation from your president. Come back tomorrow if you want to do some Christmas reading. I plan on writing a little bit on how every player is doing this season.