The quick take from last night's game was one of great goaltending from Ulmark . The Sabres came out very hard right from the puck drop and played with pace. The Bruins seemed a bit slow to get going and if Ulmark had not been very solid between the pipes, last night's victory might not have happened. He made numerous key saves to allow the Bruins to stay in the game and use their talent to strike when chances presented themselves. Ulmark finished the night with 35 saves on 36 shots and a .972 save percentage. Pasta opened the scoring with a quick shot high on Anderson from a pass from Brad. Nosek extended the lead on a beautiful passing play between Hall and Coyle. Cassidy not happy with what he was seeing, dropped Smith back and moved Nosek up and it paid off. In the 2nd period, the Bruins played better and were not allowing the Sabres as easy entries. They made it 3-0 on a goal on the PP by Coyle from a wicked pass by Brad . The 3rd was pretty tight checked and the Sabres broke the shutout late at the 14.35 mark but the Bruins held on, netting an empty-net goal by Hall making the final 4-1 Bruins.
Bruins PP : They only had two and the first one really didn't do much but the 2nd looked sharper and the pass by Brad was a thing of beauty to Coyle who finished. The puck movement on the 2nd attempt was better and the entries were clean. Grade : B
Bruins PK : Unlike the other night's struggle with positioning and getting to the points, the Bruins were more aggressive and better in terms of getting into lanes and clearing rebounds from saves, and forcing the Sabres into rushing plays. They were a perfect 4-0 allowing no goals. Plus once again Brad and Bergy show why they are one of the best to ever kill penalties in the NHL. Grade: A+
3 Stars of the Game : 1st Star Linus Ulmark . Ulmark had a great outing and looked confident and ready to play. He was active and aggressive when he needed to be and made huge stops when needed . Much improved play from the preseason and a very positive thing to see from a Bruin perspective. 2nd Star Charlie Coyle . Coyle had a bit of slow start to the game but found his mojo as the game went on. He was rewarded with a 3 point night, 1 goal, and 2 helpers. He will be vital in that 2nd line role if the Bruins are to compete for the division. 3rd Star Brad Marchand. Three games in and a star in all 3 . Brad was a force at times. Making key passes and delivering a few solid checks.He is the model of consistency .
Last Thoughts: The Bruins looked out of sync at the start and beyond the top line, had problems sustaining any real attack in the 1st . But Ulmark bailed them and as the game went along, they found some groove and made the Sabres pay when they made mistakes. However, Anton Blidh who was inserted into the lineup because of the Foligno injury was himself injured and had to leave this game. Plus it seems Smith has a nagging "something" and is doubtful against the Sharks when the Bruins play at home on Sunday . Sounds like Studnicka is getting a call-up and deservedly so. It's a matinee game and Ulmark gets the net again. So lets get it on and go Bruins.
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