As a followup to a 3-1 win over the Islanders in Boston last night, the Bruins are right back at it tonight against the Rangers in the Big Apple- puck drop is 8:00PM on NBCSN.
- It’s no longer called “Rivalry Night”, but expect to see five storylines play out tonight at the OTHER garden, Madison Square Garden. NHL
- What else would you expect from Patrice Bergeron on his special night other than the excellence he brings to each and every game? And of course he was grateful to the Patriots for stopping by to take the spotlight from him for a bit. HockeyBuzz
- The first goal of the night was classic Patrice Bergeron, while the second demonstrated his teammates’ affection and respect for him. Bruins Daily
- Peter Cehlarik scored his fourth goal of the season, ultimately the game winning goal. Speaking of affection, the last two Bruins left the ice after a touching display. Patriot Ledger
- Bringing the nasty is what Bruce Cassidy hopes Trent Frederic can learn from Kevan Miller, and indicates Danton Heinen’s issue has not been his play away from the puck. Boston Herald
- Three bullet points from the game include a goal called back, fortunately it was the Islanders that were disappointed this time. Boston.com
- Bruce Cassidy is well aware of what we have been whispering- time to engineer some down time for Zdeno Chara ahead of the end run to the playoffs. Yahoo Sports
- Claude Julien prompted Brad Marchand to emulate his linemate, and Marchand has been the better for it, just as he and Bergeron both benefitted from time with Mark Recchi. Bonus- video of the Patriots’ visit to TD Garden. Boston Globe
- Standings- It is pretty much status quo, as the Bruins remain at 9th in the league overall, NHL 5th in the Eastern Conference, NHL and hold 4th place in the competitive Atlantic Division, still trailing the 3rd place Canadiens by a mere 1 point. NHL Currently sitting in the first Wild Card slot, Boston remains 4 points ahead of the Blue Jackets. NHL (Note- links are NOT static)
Elsewhere around the rink:
- 31 Thoughts are all about the reverberations surrounding Auston Matthews’ new deal. Blake Wheeler and Mark Scheifele were the Jets to win it all in their team’s Super Bowl pool, for reasons. Sportsnet
- So many teams are jostling in a tight battle in the standings that trading has quieted right down to a whisper. Boston.com
- This week’s NHL power ranking celebrates all the youngsters hoping to piggyback on Matthews’ contract. NEXT! Sportsnet
- It is full out revolt in Edmonton, and Oilers jerseys are being tossed onto the ice. A blown 2-1 lead and five goals in nine minutes during the third period will do that. BarDown
- Local lad Brian Boyle is headed to Smashville. Predators NHL