Just one week ago the Boston Bruins were being written off for dead. The Bruins had a perilous two-point lead over the Florida Panthers for the eighth and final playoff spot with the Ottawa Senators and Philadelphia Flyers creeping right behind them.
General manager Peter Chiarelli has spent most of the last two months facing an angry mob from Bruins nation that is calling for his head. The same goes for head coach Claude Julien. Chairman Charlie Jacobs fanned the flames with threats for heads to roll if the Bruins failed to make the playoffs.
But with last Saturday’s miraculous 3-2 comeback overtime win over the Flyers, the Bruins may have found the turning point of their season. Boston is riding a three-game winning streak and has taking firm control of the final playoff spot in the East with a six-point lead. But Thursday night will be the ultimate credibility test for the Bruins as the red hot Tampa Bay Lightning will be calling. Faceoff time is set for 7 p.m. ET with coverage on NHLN-US.
The Bruins have been sparked by goaltender Tuukka Rask, who has broken out of a mid-season slump to post a .945 save percentage in his last five games. With five wins in their last six games, Boston has allowed three goals or more in just two out of their last six games.
Left wing Brad Marchand was the hero Saturday with the game-tying goal against the Flyers with 15 seconds remaining in regulation followed by the overtime game winner. The Bruins have struggled to score goals and Marchand will be a key factor in their ability to maintain success for the long term. Marchand has five goals in his last five games. While his improved play is huge, secondary scoring remains a big concern.
Defenseman Zdeno Chara was showing his 37 years of age for much of the season but now looks as if he has taken a long drink from the fountain of youth. Chara has two goals and an assist with a plus-one in his last five games and again is showing the presence of a world class defenseman.
Tampa Bay has won seven out of their last nine after a 1-0 overtime win over the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday night. The Bolts are now just one point behind the Canadiens for the top spot in the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference.
Tampa Bay head coach Jon Cooper has emerged as one of the best in the game and boasts the top goal scoring team in the NHL. Cooper is one of the younger coaches in the game but brings instead credibility as a leader and strategist. Cooper is a Jack Adams Trophy candidate as the NHL’s Coach of the Year and has made an immediate impact since taking over during the middle of the 2013 lockout shortened season. Cooper is renowned for being the ultimate modern coach that can relate to Tampa Bay’s young roster and motivate his players on a consistent basis.
Keep in mind that the Lighting were eliminated in the playoffs last year by Montreal, based in large part, due to an injury to goaltender Ben Bishop that kept him out of the series. Bishop has a .935 save percentage in his last five games with two shutouts and is looking to be in prime playoff form.
Defense remains the big concern for the Lightning and their long-term playoff prospects. The Lighting rank 13th for goals against, but have improved on shots against to now rank fifth in the NHL. Defenseman Anton Stallman has emerged as the anchor of the blue line with six goals, 28 assists and a plus-22.
Center Steven Stamkos has 36 goals to go with 25 assists and is one of the top center icemen in the game. Fellow center Tyler Johnson is having a breakout year for Tampa Bay with 25 goals and 40 assists.
Heart and soul right wing Ryan Callahan is one of the top leaders in the game and is also one of the toughest players in front of the net in the NHL. Callahan has 21 goals and immeasurable presence.
The Bruins and Lighting could meet in the playoffs and make for a matchup that is not to be missed on Thursday night.
