Boston Bruins raise championship banner, lose 2-1 to Philadelphia Flyers in season opener-NHL Update
Boston Bruins concluded their Stanley Cup championship celebration by raising the banner that denotes their team as winners but their performance against a changed Philadelphia team on Thursday gave them a sudden shock of what the National Hockey League
(NHL) has become over the offseason.
Philadelphia Flyers defeated the 2011 Stanley Cup defenders, 2-1, on Thursday, October 6, in front of a sold-out crowd at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.
Flyers added over eight players to the roster over the course of the offseason and training camp/preseason, which has certainly turned around their team for the better.
Jaromir Jagr, an NHL legend who made his comeback with Philadelphia Flyers by signing on to a one-year contract over the offseason, made his presence felt in the arena and was impressed by Boston’s ability to play.
"We played the Stanley Cup champions. It's not easy", said Jagr, one of eight new players for Philadelphia, including three rookies. "They're probably the best team in the NHL and we've got totally a new team. A lot of young guys. A lot of rookies. You've
got to give us time".
Brad Marchand scored the first goal in favour of Boston during their first power play opportunity with Philadelphia’s Zac RInaldo out with a minor penalty, giving the home crowd a reason to roar with joy.
That roar did not last long as Philadelphia answered back with two straight goals on veteran Boston goalie, Tim Thomas, as Claude Giroux took advantage of Bruins only penalty of the period at the 19:10 mark and Jake Voracek scored with three seconds remaining.
"Through the course of the game, even after the first two periods, they did not have a lot of shots on net. A lot of the ones they did have we quality chances", Flyers coach, Peter Laviolette, said.
Boston remained cold in regards of their shooting during their first two period and came out strong in round-three, but Philadelphia’s newly acquired veteran goalie, Ilya Bryzgalov, was just too quick and blocked all 11 shots that came at him.
Bruins remain at home as they face-off against Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday, October 8, while Flyers will pay New Jersey Devils a visit on the same day before returning home.
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