Sports

Goucher: Bruins Playing Better Because More Guys Contributing

November 11, 2013 / 9:21 AM EST / CBS Boston

BOSTON (CBS) - After a mini-slump in which the Bruins lost four out of give games, back-to-back wins over the Panthers and Maple Leafs have the B's back on track to face the Tampa Bay Lightning Monday afternoon for a Veterans Day matinee at 1pm.

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98.5 The Sports Hub's Bruins play-by-play man Dave Goucher called in to Toucher & Rich on Monday morning to preview the Lightning matchup, a team the B's have already beaten twice this season by a combined score of 8-1.

But before giving his Bruins/Lightning analysis, Goucher weighed in on the hometown team's two-game winning streak.

"I just think they've had more guys contributing," said Goucher of the improved play. "The offense, for a good chunk of the year, if it [goal scoring] didn't come from the [David] Krejci line then it really wasn't getting done. Now they've been able to get some other guys scoring and contributing up front. That helps, because you can't just have that one line doing the damage most of the season."

This segued into a conversation about rookie Torey Krug, an offensive-minded defenseman already with six goals on the season. Goucher said Krug is "absolutely" in the running for the Calder Trophy - the NHL equivalent of Rookie of the Year.

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Led by prolific goal scorer Steven Stamkos, the Tampa Bay Lightning possess the best record in the Eastern Conference and lead the Atlantic Division with a 12-4 record. Two of their four losses have come at the hands of the Bruins.

Why have the Lightning been so successful in 2013? And what can the Bruins do to get a win Monday afternoon?

Last year, the Lightning got off to a hot start of 6-1 due mainly to their power play dominance. When that dried up, so did their record. Goucher feels this year is a different story for Tampa Bay, getting a more balanced "team effort." For the Bruins to be successful on Veterans Day they must continue to build on their last two games.

Also on the docket was talk of Brad Marchand's improved play, Jarome Iginla's impact, Tuukka Rask playing like the highest paid goalie in the league, and an Adam McQuaid injury update.

Listen to the full discussion below: