Boston Bruins hoping for a fresh start as they host New Jersey Devils – NHL Preview
New Jersey Devils started the proceedings in the last month on a very positive note, but the end was really pathetic. Although their playoff hopes did not receive a noticeable blow, the overall ranking was certainly affected.
As for Boston Bruins, the last month was marred by inconsistent performances, which drew criticism from all the corners.
Both these teams have a point to prove as they face each other in a National Hockey League (NHL) game on Thursday, March 1, 2012, at TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts.
Let’s have a look at both the teams.
Devils
Last month, they played 13 games and won eight of them.
The numbers could have been much better had they not regressed towards the end where the offence struggled badly.
Devils are currently on a three-game losing streak with the recent defeats coming against Vancouver Canucks (2-1), Tampa Bay Lightning (4-3) and New York Rangers (2-0).
Rangers got one goal in the first period while the other in the last.
Devils’ goaltender, Martin Brodeur, after the loss:
"We have to keep going the same way. We're doing a lot of good things. It's just not going our way right now. When we were winning, we played games we didn't deserve to win. We just have to work hard."
Devils are placed at seventh spot in the Eastern Conference with 74 points after 62 games.
Bruins
In terms of total points, Bruins are not very far away from Devils, but they still are well placed in the Eastern Conference.
They are ranked at second spot with 77 points after 61 games.
They failed to win more than one game in a row last month and continued losing games at regular intervals.
In their last game, Bruins were defeated by the Ottawa Senators, who scored the only goal of the game in the first period.
Bruins’ centre, Patrice Bergeron, said after the game:
"We knew it was a huge game and we were one shot away. We had some good chances. We're going to be in some tough games down the stretch and we've got to find a way to win them."
Predictions
Bruins might win the game.
The sum of goals scored by both the teams might stay under six.
If Devils win, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
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