The Boston Bruins (39-8-5) returned to action following a 10 day all-star break and lost to the Washington Capitals (28-20-6) 2-1, Saturday.
The physicality is always prevalent in this eastern conference matchup. A combined 58 hits and a low-scoring affair highlights the grinding battle.
This game was loaded with penalties, and many fans of both teams were demanding more calls from the referees. Each team racked up 12 penalty minutes, with only Washington taking advantage by scoring doorstep power play goal to take the 1-0 lead.
Goaltender Jeremy Swayman got the start for the B’s and was lights out. He made 23 saves, and gave the Bruins a strong chance in this game. The two goals he gave up were difficult saves to make.
The Bruins struggled to create high scoring chances the entire game, despite peppering Capital’s goaltender Darcy Kuemper. He made 27 saves and allowed just one goal in the win.
Add this goal by Nick Foligno to the tally of ugly scoring chances in this game. This felt like an old-school hockey game from the get go with tempers flaring and body’s flailing.
Going Forward
Frankly, the Capitals need this win more than the Bruins. Boston sits comfortably with an 11 point cushion in first place of the Atlantic Division.
Washington, on the other hand, is fourth in the Metropolitan division, and first in the wild-card race. They’ll look to continue this momentum with a very quick turnaround Sunday afternoon against the San Jose Sharks. The Bruins will play again on Tuesday night in Dallas.
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