Bruins Canadiens March 3
NHL realignment means no Bruins-Canadiens games in regular season.
Welcome back to another edition of NHL Predictions with the Last Word on Hockey team. Each day, our writers publish an article or two that breaks down every game on the night’s schedule, offering our score predictions and game analysis. We also feature a specific matchup that should be must-watch hockey. Tonight, it’s a powerhouse tilt between the Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning. Make sure to check out our other predictions article for tonight, detailing the later games.
- Marchand scores in OT, Bruins rally past Canadiens 2-1. By Associated Press. Facebook Facebook Messenger Twitter Email.
- All done in Boston. Gutsy win for Canadiens. Bruins needed more than Patrice Bergeron’s line to push offensively. 9:17 3d period, Canadiens 4-3: David Desharnais doing dirty work.
NHL Predictions
Montreal Canadiens vs. New York Islanders
Head-to-Head: Canadiens 1 – 0 Islanders
The Montreal Canadiens continue with a largely disappointing campaign, barely staying afloat with a 30-28-9 record, 69 points, and fifth place in the Atlantic Division. They were able to pull out a victory in their last game, however, a slight 4-3 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes. Montreal’s offensive production is adequate, however, their defensive system has struggled this season and they continue to have many lapses. Montreal went 7-6-2 in February, representative of their average season. Their best player continues to be legendary netminder Carey Price, who’s worked his way up to a 26-23-6 record in 55 starts, along with a respectable .910 save percentage and 2.76 goals-against average.
The New York Islanders are a team on a playoff trajectory, sitting with 78 points and a 35-21-8 record, good enough for fourth place in the Metropolitan Division. They were thrashed 4-0 at the hands of the Bruins in their last outing, though. The Islanders move forward past the Trade Deadline after not being able to acquire veteran centre Mikko Koivu, who they were interested in adding to their roster. While the Islanders’ offensive attack leaves something to be desired, they’re one of the league’s best teams at limiting chances against. They’re on quite the slide right now, only winning two out of their past nine games. They continue to be boosted by Semyon Varlamov‘s good season in net, as in 37 starts, he’s compiled a 19-13-5 record, .917 save percentage, 2.55 goals-against average, and two shutouts.
While the Islanders look like a solid bet for one of the wild card spots in the Eastern Conference, their slump will continue tonight as Montreal steals two points.
Prediction: Canadiens win 3-2 in overtime.
St. Louis Blues vs. New York Rangers
Head-to-Head: Blues 1 – 0 Rangers
Bruins Canadiens March 3
Someone failed to tell the St. Louis Blues about the ‘Stanley Cup hangover,’ as they’ve rolled right along to a 39-17-10 record, 88 points, and first place in the Central Division. Their last game was an important 4-3 win over the division rival Dallas Stars, who are still a threat to their playoff position. While defenceman Colton Parayko is battling an illness, he should be ready to go for tonight’s game. St. Louis is a solid offensive and defensive squad but isn’t necessarily elite in terms of either category. They’re on a tear right now, winners of seven straight. Another solid season from captain Alex Pietrangelohas him leading the team with 206 shots and all skaters with 24:08 average time on ice.
The New York Rangers find themselves in a tight Eastern Conference playoff battle with a 35-26-4 record and 74 points but sit all the way down in seventh place in the Metropolitan Division. Their last loss was a crushing blow, as they dropped a 5-3 decision to the Philadelphia Flyers. The Rangers have blossomed into a good offensive team, but are slightly more pedestrian in their end of things. They’ve been on a good run lately, winning five of their past seven. Their most important player this season has undoubtedly been free-agent signing Artemi Panarin, who leads the team with 32 goals (tied with Mika Zibanejad), 58 assists, 90 points, a +34 rating, and 196 shots.
While the Rangers will get an important point tonight at home, the red-hot Blues will squeak out with the victory.
Prediction: Blues win 4-3 in overtime.
Ottawa Senators vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Head-to-Head: Senators 0 – 1 Penguins
The Ottawa Senators‘ season has been in line with expectations, posting a 23-31-12 record, 58 points, and seventh place in the Atlantic Division. Their last game was yet another edition of the ‘Tank Bowl,’ winning 4-3 over the Detroit Red Wings. The Senators have made it public that they’re interested in retaining the services of the beloved Mark Borowieckifor a very long time, and those negotiations will continue to unravel throughout the rest of the season. Ottawa struggles to score goals, but they struggle even more to keep the puck out of their net. They’ve rebounded nicely from a recent four-game losing streak, winning two straight. With the departure of Jean-Gabriel Pageau, defenceman Thomas Chabotbecomes the most important player on the ice, as he now leads the squad with 30 assists, 11 power-play assists, and 26:03 average time on ice.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have survived an injury-plagued season to emerge as a real playoff contender, compiling a 37-21-6 record, 80 points, and third place in the Metropolitan Division. However, their last game was an embarrassing 5-0 drubbing at the hands of the lowly San Jose Sharks. Pittsburgh’s offensive touch has dropped off from recent years, something that can be attributed to injuries, but still, remain one of the league’s best defensive squads. However, they’re on a big slide, losing six straight contests. Another stellar campaign from the 33-year-old Evgeni Malkinhas been a huge factor in the Penguins’ success – in only 50 games, he leads the team with 42 assists, 63 points, and 52 penalty minutes.
The Penguins will be able to turn it around at home tonight against a rebuilding Senators squad.
Prediction: Penguins win 2-0.
Bruins Canadiens March 3 2019
Boston Bruins vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
Head-to-Head: Bruins 0 – 2 Lightning
The Bruins, similarly to the Blues, have shown no signs of slowing down after last year’s Stanley Cup Final, posting a 41-13-12 record, 94 points, and place first in the Atlantic Division. Their last game, a 4-0 beatdown of the Islanders, proved their place at the top. It appears as though forward Chris Wagnerwill return tonight after missing Boston’s last game with an upper-body ailment. Boston is a very good offensive team but is an absolute defensive juggernaut. They’ve won two straight games after two embarrassing Western Canadian losses. Young winger David Pastrnakcontinues his dominance, leading Boston with 47 goals, 91 points, and 257 shots.
The Lightning has also continued their world-beating ways of last season, compiling a 41-19-5 record, 87 points, and sit in second place in the Atlantic Division. They won their last game 4-3 against the Calgary Flames, gathering another two points. The Lightning is an elite offensive squad but is less elite defensively. However, they’ve lost four out of their last five games, a concerning slide this close to the playoffs. Nikita Kucherovcontinues his dominance, leading Tampa with 31 goals, 49 assists, 80 points, and 191 shots.
However, Boston faces a tough matchup on the road and will drop two points to rival Tampa tonight.
Prediction: Lightning win 3-1.
Nashville Predators vs. Minnesota Wild
Head-to-Head: Predators 2 – 0 Wild
The Nashville Predators are in a tricky situation, garnering a 32-25-8 record for 72 points and fourth place in the Central Division. They were embarrassed at home last night by the Edmonton Oilers and have to be exhausted. Nashville can’t seem to excel in any area of play this season, and it’s shown in their record. They’ve now gone .500 over their past six contests, and the playoffs are looking more and more uncertain every day. Captain Roman Josihas been their bright spot on the blue line, leading Smashville with 45 assists, 60 points, a +21 rating, 25:50 average time on ice, 102 blocks and 237 shots.
The Minnesota Wild are doing everything they can to stay in the race, posting a 32-26-7 record and 71 points, placing sixth in the Central Division. Their last game was a tough-to-swallow 4-3 loss to the Washington Capitals. Minnesota has been a rather average team this year, really limited by poor goaltending. This Wild team is making a run for it, having won three out of their past four. They’re led by defenceman Ryan Suter, who leads the team with 37 assists and 24:34 average time on ice.
Minnesota will take advantage of a tired Nashville team tonight and take a crucial two points from a division rival.
Prediction: Wild win 5-3.
Main Photo:
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BOSTON -- David Desharnais and the Montreal Canadiens saw an opening when Zdeno Chara went to the penalty box, and they certainly made the most of it.
Max Pacioretty scored the tying goal in the third period and Desharnais put Montreal ahead to stay, leading the Canadiens to a 4-3 comeback win over the Boston Bruins on Sunday in a matchup of the Eastern Conference's top teams.
Both goals came with Chara sitting in the penalty box.
'It's big,' said Desharnais, who also scored in the first period. 'He's a key player for them. For him to not be on the ice is good for us, and we took advantage of it.'
Tomas Plekanec had the other goal for the Canadiens, who jumped two points ahead of Boston for first overall in the conference.
Last season, Montreal finished out of the playoffs -- 28th in the 30-team league. This year, the Canadiens are off to a 14-4-4 start.
'We're coming from a long way,' Montreal coach Michel Therrien said. 'Everyone knows if we stick to our plan we've got a chance to win every game.'
The longtime rivals played an up-and-down clean first period before some bad feelings surfaced late in the second. Alexei Emelin appeared to cross-check young Bruins star Tyler Seguin on the right hip, sending him to the ice in pain.
Chara then raced in, nailed Emelin, and the pair squared off to the left of Montreal's net, with the Boston captain throwing most of the punches. Seguin headed down the ramp toward the dressing room, but came back to the bench a few minutes later. Chara collected an instigating penalty, fighting major and 10-minute misconduct, leaving Boston short-handed on defense for a good portion of the third.
'The guy just broke his stick cross-checking Tyler and went down,' Chara said. 'I was just reacting to it. He's one of our best players and I'm not going to just watch him getting crushed like that.'
That's when the Canadiens made their push, grabbing the lead.
'We were able to capitalize off the loss of Chara,' Therrien said. 'Everyone knows he's one of the best defensemen in the league.'
Pacioretty's slap shot from the point beat Tuukka Rask, who appeared to be screened, and tied it at 3-all 5:31 into the third period. Desharnais scored out of a scramble in front with 10:43 to play.
Chara's teammates felt his actions were justified.
'Z knows the right time to step up and fight for his teammates -- and tonight was the right time,' Bruins winger Brad Marchand said. 'One of our guys that plays a lot of minutes takes a good shot.'
Bruins coach Claude Julien was even more upset.
'The frustrating part is you end up with 17 minutes in the penalty box when you should have been on the power play,' he said before challenging the Canadiens, stating they faked some hits for penalties.
'There was a lot of embellishment. That was embarrassing tonight. They have over 100 power plays and we all know why watching tonight. The embellishing is embarrassing for our game.'
Seguin, Patrice Bergeron and Dougie Hamilton scored for Boston, which had won six in a row. Rask stopped 22 shots.
Peter Budaj made 31 saves for Montreal, which played the first of five straight road games.
Boston pulled Rask with 70 seconds left for an extra skater, but Budaj stopped Seguin's bid from close in the final seconds.
'Fortunately I was able to read it,' Budaj said. 'It was a big save.'
Trailing 2-1 early in the second period, Boston tied it on Bergeron's goal. Seguin, who scored the Bruins' first goal, made a cross-ice pass during a 2-on-1 break. Bergeron knocked in his own rebound after Budaj stopped the initial shot from the edge of the crease.
The Canadiens nearly regained the lead when Pacioretty clearly beat Rask with a blast from the right circle, but it caromed off the left post. Less than a minute later, Travis Moen broke in alone, but Rask dropped to his knees to cut down the angle and make the save.
Boston then grabbed its only lead of the night on Hamilton's goal while the teams were skating four aside. Marchand fired a shot from the right circle that rebounded over to Hamilton, who slipped a tough-angle shot by Budaj from the bottom of the left circle for his second career goal.
Shortly after Boston had moved ahead 3-2, Montreal peppered Rask with a number of good chances during a 5-on-3 power play.
Game notes
The Bruins did a number of different things during the game to support Newtown, Conn. One was having Sandy Hook Elementary School's lead teacher, Natalie Hammond, drop the ceremonial first puck. ... The Bruins next play at Washington on Tuesday. ... Boston F Chris Bourque was a healthy scratch. ... The Canadiens continue their road trip at the New York Islanders on Tuesday before playing at Carolina, Tampa Bay and Florida, respectively. Their next home game is March 13 against Ottawa. ... It was the 719th meeting between the teams, second only to Detroit-Chicago's 724. ... Boston entered the day leading the league with a 91.9 percent penalty killing success rate, but gave up a power-play goal after allowing two Saturday against Tampa Bay.