Five Things You Might Have Missed In Bruins' Shootout Win In Toronto
By Michael Hurley, CBS Boston
BOSTON (CBS) -- The Bruins haven't exactly jumped out and captured the unbridled attention of everybody in the Boston sports scene thus far in the 2015-16 season, and going up against a Patriots' game on Monday Night Football didn't exactly help things in the way of drawing eyeballs.
And in true Bruins fashion, the team had a bit of an up-and-down night in Toronto, a trend that's become a theme through this first quarter of the season. They opened up a 2-0 lead through the first period, allowed two Toronto goals in the second period, took a 3-2 lead, and gave up that lead once again.
It went to a shootout, and the Bruins won, giving them a much-needed two points that puts them in playoff position a few days ahead of the ever-important U.S. Thanksgiving.
If you missed the game, or if you just enjoy flashy videos, here's what you might have missed in the 4-3 shootout win.
1. Brad Marchand's Home Run
Call it an homage to David Ortiz on the week the Red Sox legend announced that he'll be retiring after the 2016 season. Or just call it great hand-eye coordination.
Regardless of what you call it, the scoresheet says it's a goal -- Brad Marchand's second short-handed goal of the season and the 17th of his career.
2. Zac Rinaldo Scored A Goal
When the Bruins signed Zac Rinaldo, it was not for his scoring ability. He entered the season with just eight NHL goals in 223 games.
But he scored on Monday night -- unscreened, no less! Not a tip-in, not a deflection off his shin pad -- just an old-fashioned goal.
James Reimer likely wants that one back. Whoever's in charge of the music at the Air Canada Center couldn't cue up "The House Of The Rising Sun" any faster.
3. Tuukka Rask Coughed Up A Costly Rebound
Tuukka Rask has faced a healthy dose of criticism this season -- some of it fair, some of it not so much -- for not living up to the expectations that apply to a $7 million goaltender.
While the goalie has played about as well as can be rightfully expected behind a makeshift defense, he has made a handful of gaffes. And mishandling a soft wrister from about 50 feet would certainly qualify for that category.
Woof.
But fear not, because ...
4. Tuukka Rask Made Up For It With A Ridiculous Save In Overtime
It would have only been a one-point night in Toronto for the Bruins if Tuukka Rask didn't get ridiculous in overtime.
In the waning seconds of overtime, with Toronto on a power play, Dion Phaneuf sent a one-time blast on net from the high slot. Rask was able to make a pad save, but he left a fat rebound in front for James van Riemsdyk.
The Leafs forward thought he had his fourth power-play goal of the season gift-wrapped as he quickly tried to bury the puck in the open net in front of him. Yet Rask closed that door emphatically, extending his glove hand and robbing van Riemsdyk.
Timely.
5. David Krejci Did Something Silly
Through two-and-a-half rounds of the shootout, no shooter could solve Rask or Reimer, and the stage was set for David Krejci to win the game.
Krejci is a bit of a wizard with the puck on his stick, but that's never necessarily translated to outstanding success in shootouts.
Krejci slammed on the brakes when hitting the top of the faceoff circles, and the puck actually flipped on edge, causing him to reach back and change course. Once he got the puck back on his tape, he burst toward Reimer, deked to his backhand and then buried a forehand through Reimer's five hole.
It was a thing of beauty -- save for that Movember mustache.
Read more from Michael Hurley by clicking here. You can email him or find him on Twitter @michaelFhurley.
