As the Record went to press last night (Wednesday), the Bruins were being hosted by the NHL-leading Washington Capitals. The Ovechkin-led Caps and the Boston Bruins have been playing at the same pace over their last ten games (7-2-1), the difference being the Bruins, after riding a lengthy winning streak, have hit a major pothole, picking up losses in their last three games. Looking to return to their winning ways in Washington, in a game that had the NHL’s two top goal scorers facing off against each other. Alexander Ovechkin with 21 goals trails David Pastrnak who has potted 25 to lead the league.
Pasta has suddenly gone dry, with special attention from opposing teams, not able to find the back of the net over his last four games. His goal-scoring success has put a bullseye on his back and the opposition continues to double-team him and deliver board-rattling checks. Adding to the Bruins’ scoring woes for the team is their power play, which after holding onto the number three spot overall in the league with a 28% average, has suddenly hit a dry spell, heading into Washington, having capitalized only twice in their last 20 opportunities. Boston’s success or demise against the Capitals will set the locals’ up to face another pair of tough teams on this four-game road trip, as they will take on Eastern Conference/Atlantic Division rivals, Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers. Tonight’s contest with the Lightning (12/12 at 7 p.m.) features a team that seems to be finding a way back into the playoff race. The Panthers (12/14 at 7 p.m.) have scored a healthy 106 goals, but have also surrendered 101 (+5 differential).
Saturday’s game with Florida will end Boston’s current road trip, and will return the team back to the friendly confines of TD Garden ice where their record stands at 12-1-5. Visiting the Garden during the four-game homestand will be the Los Angeles Kings (Tuesday 12/17 at 7 p.m.) who presently find themselves at the bottom of the Western Conference standings, next up the New York Islanders (Thursday 12/19 at 7 p.m.), the Nashville Predators (Saturday 12/21 at 7:00pm), and finish up at home with the Washington Capitals on Monday, 12/23 at 7:00pm), before heading into the Christmas break.
BOSTON BRUINS TO HOST CASINO NIGHT
The Boston Bruins and the Boston Bruins Foundation announced the return of the Boston Bruins Casino Night, which will be held on February 13 at Encore Boston Harbor (1 Broadway, Everett, MA) from 6:30 – 9 p.m. Tickets for the event are $500 and are on sale at https://bbru.in/2OKlAJp. Group tickets are available through sponsorship opportunities. If interested in sponsoring, please contact [email protected]. Fans will have the opportunity play casino games (no cash value) alongside Bruins players and alumni. Ticket costs include chips for casino games, but do not hold any cash value. The event will include both a silent and a live auction including event tickets, gift certificates and more. Please note all attendees must be 21 years of age or older to attend. Cocktail attire is required for this event.