2010 Compuware NHL Premiere Series – Boston Bruins hosting the New York Islanders in the first game on Thursday
The Boston Bruins will be hosting the New York Islanders in the first of their four meetings scheduled to take place between the two teams. The team met four times during the last season in which each team won 2 games apiece. The
last time the team met was in March 2010, which saw the Bruins win 3-2.
Both teams have the same aim heading into the match: to draw closer to the teams above them. The gaps they are aiming to close are different. Boston is looking to top the Northeast Division while the New York Islanders are hoping
to move out of the last position in the Atlantic Division.
The Boston Bruins are just five points behind the Montreal Canadiens who lead the division. The New York Islanders are going through a terrible time as they have lost the last 17 out of the 18 games. Not only this, but they are
in last position in the Atlantic Division as well as the overall NHL standings. The New York Islanders can close the gap on the New York Devils to just 1 point if they win against the Boston Bruins which of course is highly unlikely to happen.
The New York Islanders have been in terrible form ever since their 5-2 loss against the Los Angeles Kings. They have had problems within the team and a new coach under whom they have lost the last 7 matches which makes the situation
no better. This Sunday, the Islanders 3-2 loss against the Philadelphia Flyers further frustrated the disappointed team.
The Islanders came up with some brilliant display of ice hockey against the Flyers as they came 0-1 down to take the lead in the final period. But their defence crumbled as they lost the lead and the Flyers snatched the win 3-2.
Coach Jack Capuano said, "They've got to find a way to win," Capuano said. "That's what we're talking about. Mentally, it's probably draining on them. It's tough on them, but you know what, they're professionals. They play in the
best League in the world, and they have to figure it out."
The Islanders has played 25 games so far and won only 10 out of which 5 have come in overtime. The Boston Bruins on the other hand have played 26 games out of which they have won 18 games and sit in a strong position with 33 points.
The Boston Bruins won the match on Sunday against the Buffalo Sabres after overtime as they lost the lead in the final stages to take the match into overtime. However, the Boston Bruins took 3 minutes to win the match.
Goal scorer Mark Recchi said, "I knew right away it was in, but then you've got to keep playing because you just don't know," Recchi said. "It went in the net, that's all that matters."
The Boston Bruins are undoubtedly the favorites for the match and are expected to win with a healthy margin.
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