Bruins Finish Strong And Down Devils

by Kristian Limas on Jan 19, 2012 10:24 PM EST in Game Recaps

NEWARK, NJ - JANUARY 19: Patrik Elias #26 and goaltender Martin Brodeur #30 of the New Jersey Devils defend the net against Milan Lucic #17 of the Boston Bruins at the Prudential Center on January 19, 2012 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Some habits die hard. Luckily for the Bruins it was a good habit, namely their ability to put together a good third period, that powered a come -from-behind win against the New Jersey Devils Thursday night at the Prudential center.

The fourth line was the catalyst tonight with Gregory Campbell scoring the game-winning goal and Shawn Thornton picking up two assists. It was also a rebound game for goaltender Tim Thomas who held the Devils to one goal, making 30 saves in the win.

Third Time is the Charm

The Bruins went back to their old ways at the Rock, once again dominating the third period. Over the past few games that dependability during crunch time had disappeared from their game. To be honest, through the first two periods it looked like that trend was going to continue. The Bruins looked flat and uninterested up until Nathan Horton's and Campbell's goals. Both goals came in less than a minute, the 14th time the Bruins were able to do that, another habit that made a welcome return Thursday night.

Horton is Hearing it

Horton's third-period strike was his fifth in his last five games. Ever since getting called out by head coach Claude Julien Horton as been shooting more and seeing the back of the net way more often. Horton is one to who needs to be motivated throughout the season and Julien's subtle jab has certainly lit a fire under the winger.

Energy Line

On the night that Brad Marchand and Rich Peverley made their return to the Bruins' lineup it was the fourth line that did the heavy lifting. Campbell's goal in the third capped a Gordie Howe hat trick and his line as a whole were ruthless on the forecheck, their speed and grit was exactly what had been missing during the so called "mini-slump" and hopefully it will set an example for when the Rangers make their way to Boston.

The Bruins return to the TD Garden Saturday afternoon for a matinee showdown with the East leading New York Rangers.

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I thought the 4th line looked pretty good most of the game, but the first 2 periods were mostly flat with the Bruins behind the play and not doing much to sustain any kind of offensive pressure.

Campbell’s goal was the knife to the heart.

I thought Lucic started playing hard the last few minutes of the 2nd period and I hope he brings that game for the whole 60 on Sat. When Lucic is skating well and hitting well he opens up a lot of good things for his line mates.

by TCL40 on Jan 20, 2012 7:14 AM EST reply actions

The play in January so far has reminded me an awful lot of the play in October. At least they’re winning most of these games, but it’s not easy to watch.

by Black Bird on Jan 20, 2012 9:01 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

I’m amazed at how different the Devils look playing with a lead, even, and down a goal. Even though the Bruins looked flat, the Devils looked very solid and hard to break down. As soon as the first Bruins goal went in, the game just exploded with awesomeness.

@tomkent77 on twitter

by tkent on Jan 20, 2012 9:20 AM EST reply actions

It’s crazy what a little confidence will do for ya, huh?

I haven’t watched any Devils games this year other than ones against the B’s, but to be honest, other than the blowout, the Devs didn’t look terrible (IMO).

Kick his ass, Seabass!

by phonymahoney on Jan 20, 2012 9:53 AM EST up reply actions