The last time the Bruins played the Panthers, they were shutout 2-0. Last night saw the opposite. After an ugly Florida trip, the Bruins came out firing on all cylinders, maybe even with some NO2 mixed in.
The Bruins dominated the last 30 minutes of this game. Byron Bitz (Cornell '07, GO BIG RED!) did something a Bruin hasn't done in a while: had a tip in goal. The score made it a 3-1 game. But unlike previous contests, the Bruins didn't ease up. Bitz scored again, early in the 3rd. This time off a juicy rebound (another recent rarity). Two minutes later, Aaron Ward slapped in a goal. Then Michael Ryder, just back from injury, scored on the power play. It was Ryder's 20th.
Of all the troubles the Bruins have had lately, their mental lapses, defensive miscues, and struggling to play with the lead have been the most frustrating. They've also had difficulty finishing, but at least they've been generating offensive opportunities. Last night, they made few mistakes. They kept their foot on the gas throughout the 3rd period.
The Bruins now have 90 points, a 9 point lead over Washington in the Conference, a 19 point lead over Montreal in the Division, and a game against the Ducks Thursday night.
Source:
ESPN.com
Photo Credits:
AP Photo/Elise Amendola
