To say that the Bruins played well during February and March would be the understatement of the year. In case you missed it, they earned a point in all but one game during that 2 month stretch. While there were only 5 games during the month of February, the Olympic play of the Bruins was also pretty dang good.
Well, the calendar now reads April and the Bruins have only 7 regular season games left to play. Now the big question is whether or not the Bruins can keep up this pace or if they are going to falter down the stretch. While many people say they don't really care what happens in the next 7 games as long as guys get their rest and nobody gets injured, I think fans would suddenly change their minds if the team started losing.
Tonight the Bruins hit the ice against Detroit and look to split the season series. With Detroit still trying to secure their ticket to the postseason, the Bruins are likely to have their hands full.
Oddly enough, the fact that the game is in Detroit may actually benefit the Bruins. Although the Bruins completely got spanked (6-1) the last time they played in Detroit, the Red Wings have not been dominant at home this season. When at home, the Red Wings have averaged 2.53 goals for and 2.87 goals against. If we take out the 6 goals Boston gave up in November, their average drops to 2.43 goals.
When it comes to road games this season, the Bruins seem to be finding the net with ease. On the season they are averaging 3.25 goals away from the Garden. To put this in perspective, Anaheim has the second best average away from home with 3.02.
Another statistic that gets better for the Bruins when they are away from home is penalty kills. While the Bruins' penalty kill is currently 7th best in the league at 84.3%, it is slightly better when they are the visitor (85.2%). Conversely, the Red Wings' penalty kill gets a little weaker when they are on their home ice (83.5% overall & 83% at home).
Looking at each teams' power play effectiveness in relationship to game location, the Bruins still hold a decisive advantage. Although the home factor does make Detroit a little better than they are overall with the power play (17.8% overall & 18.3% at home), the Bruins still have an advantage with 21.8% (21% overall).
Even though the Bruins have advantages offensively and defensively during special teams, they would be well served to do a better job of drawing penalties. On the season they are dead last when it comes to power play opportunities with 209.
The most notable player who will not be taking the ice tonight is Red Wings' center Henrik Zetterberg (+19, 16 goals, 32 assists) who is out with a back injury. Reilly Smith's brother Brendan plays for the Red Wings, so we might get to see some sibling rivalry if we are lucky. Tuukka Rask is expected to be in net for the Bruins tonight. The game is on NBCSN at 8 ET.
Oddly enough, the fact that the game is in Detroit may actually benefit the Bruins. Although the Bruins completely got spanked (6-1) the last time they played in Detroit, the Red Wings have not been dominant at home this season. When at home, the Red Wings have averaged 2.53 goals for and 2.87 goals against. If we take out the 6 goals Boston gave up in November, their average drops to 2.43 goals.
When it comes to road games this season, the Bruins seem to be finding the net with ease. On the season they are averaging 3.25 goals away from the Garden. To put this in perspective, Anaheim has the second best average away from home with 3.02.
Another statistic that gets better for the Bruins when they are away from home is penalty kills. While the Bruins' penalty kill is currently 7th best in the league at 84.3%, it is slightly better when they are the visitor (85.2%). Conversely, the Red Wings' penalty kill gets a little weaker when they are on their home ice (83.5% overall & 83% at home).
Looking at each teams' power play effectiveness in relationship to game location, the Bruins still hold a decisive advantage. Although the home factor does make Detroit a little better than they are overall with the power play (17.8% overall & 18.3% at home), the Bruins still have an advantage with 21.8% (21% overall).
Even though the Bruins have advantages offensively and defensively during special teams, they would be well served to do a better job of drawing penalties. On the season they are dead last when it comes to power play opportunities with 209.
The most notable player who will not be taking the ice tonight is Red Wings' center Henrik Zetterberg (+19, 16 goals, 32 assists) who is out with a back injury. Reilly Smith's brother Brendan plays for the Red Wings, so we might get to see some sibling rivalry if we are lucky. Tuukka Rask is expected to be in net for the Bruins tonight. The game is on NBCSN at 8 ET.
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