And in a complete surprise, they won it thanks to an explosive offense. They only got 20 shots on Colorado's net, but 5 went in. Defensively, they were porous, allowing 39 shots to reach Tim Thomas, who had a good night despite the 4 goals allowed.
Newcomers Blake Wheeler and Michael Ryder each scored in their Bruins debut. Wheeler's score was a product of some nifty passing as the puck was brought up ice. Kobasew, Krejci, and Wheeler knocked it around as they took the zone, then Wheeler drove it in for his first career goal.
I don't know much about Michael Ryder's personal life, but his new best friend is Marc Savard. Savard hit him in front with a behind the back pass just as he passed the net. Ryder hit the top shelf for his first Bruins goal, and the 100th of his career.
Patrice Bergeron had two assists in his first NHL game since last October. He would have had a goal or two if not for some outstanding saves by Peter Budaj, robbing Bergeron of several one-on-one opportunities.
A win on the road against a solid team like Colorado is a good way to start a season. But there were some problems that need immediate fixing. The Bruins took a few boneheaded and soft penalties. Chara inadvertently boarded a guy, Bergeron tripping a guy with less than 2 minutes left in the game in neutral ice, Aaron Ward flipping the puck over the glass when the Bruins were already shorthanded. The Bruins also gave up 3 leads in this game, let Colorado get deep into their zone and rattle off too many shots at Thomas.
The Bruins go to Minneapolis next and face the Wild on Saturday night... the same time as the Sox game. I wonder who will win that ratings battle?
Sources:
BostonBruins.com
ESPN.com
Photo Credits:
AP Photo/David Zalubowski
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