Game Day, Vs. Florida 2/24/09

Tonight the Bruins kick off their six game home stand with a chance for redemption. After being embarrassed by the Panthers Saturday night in Sunrise, the boys have an opportunity tonight. An opportunity to not only even the score, but an opportunity to show the Garden faithful that they're back...or at least on their way back, to being the team we've all come to know and love. But, a mere "moral victory" isn't good enough tonight. They need two points, preferably in regulation.

The game plan for the Bruins should be simple enough to figure out. Get pucks AND BODIES to the net. Saturday, they got plenty of pucks to the net. But they were mainly from the outside, with no traffic in front of Vokoun. If they get anywhere close to the 40+ shouts they've gotten the last two games AND establish a net-front presence, they'll be fine. They get Michael Ryder, full shield and all, back in the lineup tonight. That should help, but I wouldn't expect him to be quite as physical as he usually is in his first game back after facial surgery.

So, there really isn't much to break down in this one. The mission is simple, the opponent familiar. Now it's just up to the boys to get it done.

PREDICTION:
I look for the Black & Gold to come out flying tonight, spurred on by a raucous Garden crowd. Two weeks without a game at home should make us regulars a bit boisterous. Look for a 4-2 win, with Kessel, Wheeler, Wideman and Lucic scoring (I'm thinking Looch finally decides to assert himself tonight). Go B's-Kynch

Side note- Does anyone else think the B's recent struggles can't be making the marketing/ticket office folks very happy? They sent out season ticket renewal and playoff ticket info right smack in the middle of their worst stretch of play all year. Oh well, I re-upped and ordered my playoff tickets today. Money well spent I think!