Long time readers of Black-White-and-Gold will know that I use the Thrashers as a sort of litmus test for how the Bruins are actually playing. Traditionally a middling team (at the best of times) Atlanta still holds the upper hand, as the Bruins were still 1-4-0 in their previous 5 meetings against the Thrashers (the single win coming early this year).Last night's game opened a home-and-home series (continuing tonight) and the Bruins came out flying, scoring 4 times on their first 5 shots. Zdeno Chara opened the scoring with a ridiculous wrap-around (the advantage of being 6'9"), and later had a fight in a strong performance.
Phil Kessel, despite being run into the glass from behind by Joey Crabb (leading to a two-, five- and game misconduct penalties), extended his point-streak to 14 games with a goal and two assists. This kind of production helps the Bruins, but more importantly, helps me in my hockey pool. Which I know readers will care about.
Mark Stuart had two-goals from the back-end and Michael Ryder potted an amazing top-shelf snap shot, while Tim Thomas held the Bruins in the game despite the dangers of offensive threats like Ilya Kovalchuk and Vyecheslav Koslov.
On the worrying side of things, Aaron Ward returned from injury, only to leave the game in the first period. Petteri Nokelainen also left the game in the first, and also did not return.
The Bruins complete the home-and-home series tonight, in Boston.
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