Boston sits third in the Atlantic Divison, but the Red Wings’ win over the Canadiens Thursday brought Detroit within one point of the B’s with a game in hand.
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While it seemed that Patrice Bergeron had tied the game at 8:03 of the third period, a lengthy review led to a surprising ruling that conclusive evidence was lacking.
Boston Bruins left wing Matt Beleskey (39) watches as Florida Panthers goalie Roberto Luongo (1) deflects the puck in the first period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, March 24, 2016, in Boston. The offense has stalled with six goals in the past five games and the power play has stalled with a lifeless 0-for-13 over that time period as well. “We’re in this situation right now where I still feel we control our own destiny, so it’s up to us here to come out with a good solid performance (Saturday night) and come out of here with a win”. Earlier this season, the Panthers ended a 10-game skid in Washington, a six-game losing streak in Columbus and a nine-game winless run in Nashville.
There are eight games remaining on Florida’s schedule as it looks to return to the playoffs for the first time since the 2011-12 campaign.
After going 0-4-0 and scoring five goals on a four-game trip, the Bruins prepped for another four-game trip with another loss. The Ducks entered the game needing only one standings point to reach the postseason and got it when they rallied from a 4-1 deficit to force the extra period.
“We’re still looking at it saying “We see the whole puck in the net and behind the post” and whether it’s inconclusive, maybe we need to use a little common sense in our decision making”, Julien said. “We want to make sure he doesn’t get hurt”. Julien added that he received a text message from another coach asking how that was not a goal.
“There was pressure here, but that’s part of hockey”, said Roberto Luongo, who had not won here since 2010.
“You have to be a professional and realize that you have to be at your best”, Bergeron said after the loss. You have to go back to 1990 to find the last time they didn’t print Red Wings playoff tickets in Hockeytown.
Boston had a goal disallowed against the Rangers in their last game that also would have tied the game.
No goal? If that isn’t a puck fully crossing the goal line, I don’t know what is.
Ryan Spooner scored in the first period for Boston, who lost their fifth straight following a seven-game unbeaten streak. In the hunt for a playoff spot whether it is a Wild Card spot or one in the top three is the Red Wings with 85 points, just one point behind the Bruins. “Very frustrating. Such a blatant call”. “We would have had momentum and ultimately it ended up costing us the game”.
Viktor Rask, Chris Terry and Elias Lindholm scored for the Hurricanes, all in a 98-second span, with Lindholm’s goal giving Carolina a 3-1 lead only 2:30 into the period. Instead, a few minutes later, the Bruins get caught with a to many men call that put Florida on a power play that provided some insurance for the Panther’s win. Huberdeau capped the scoring with an empty-net goal with 21 seconds remaining.
The Bruins are heading to Toronto for a date with the Maple Leafs tonight, but coach Claude Julien couldn’t resist taking a couple more parting shots at the NHL’s replay system.
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“It’s been fun to watch him grow and become better”, said Tyler Bozak, who also scored twice and has four points in his last three games. Smith, acquired by the Bruins in the Tyler Seguin deal, was traded to Florida along with Marc Savard’s contract (he’s unable to play after two serious concussions) in exchange for Jimmy Hayes last offseason. Bruins defenseman John-Michael Lyles hobbled off the ice with an apparent left leg injury after falling awkwardly into the boards and went straight to the locker room.
