(Will "Bruin Killer" Cristobal Huet get the start against his old enemies?)
Game Fifteen
Boston Bruins @ Chicago Blackhawks
November 12th, 2008 @ 8:30PM
The Bruins will meet the Chicago Blackhawks tonight in the first of four consecutive Original Six macthups for the B's in the next six days. But even though the Montreal Canadiens enter the Garden tomorrow for the first time since Game 6 of the playoffs last year. Tonight's game is more significant in my eye's. Both the Bruins (won 6 of last 7) and Blackhawks (4 straight wins) have been hot as of late and look to continue to prove themselves as two of the top teams in the league. This will be one of the Bruins biggest tests in this early season in seeing how they handle the fast-paced/goal-scoring Hawks, whom have scored 12-goals in their last two games.
So with an offensive force like the Hawks on the Bruins doorstep, who do you start? Saturday saw the return of Manny Fernandez as the Bruins hosted the Buffalo Sabres. Manny and the Bruins went on to beat the Sabres 3-1 and take over first place in the Northeast Division. But most impressive in the win was the performance of Manny in which seemed as if he not only took a page for the "Book of Thomas", but actually photocopied the whole thing. Could the combo of Thomas & Fernandez finally benefit the Bruins? In the past both goalies have had solid performances in the crease but only for a few games at a time. In the past the both have been known to have tremendous hot streaks while also suffering from team killing cold streaks. But could those patterns be something of the past? And with the most recent performance of Manny and with the incredible play of Thomas as of late, who do the Bruins go with tonight? Stick with the hot handed Manny? Or go back to Thomas who currently leads the league in Save % and GAA? My guess would be to get Thomas back in between the pipes and see if his recent play was just another streak or if he is the real thing this season.
GAME QUICK HITS:
- Before the puck drops tonight, the Blackhawks will retire the #3 to the rafters. Both Pierre Pilote and Keith Magnuson will be honored during the retirement ceremony.
- Best wishes go out to Bruins forward Shawn Thornton (and his family) who lost his grandmother earlier this week. Thornton is expected to play tonight.
- Stephane Yelle is still questionable for tonight's game with an undisclosed injury. And it looks like Shane Hnidy will miss his third straight game.
- Eklund is a little late with "his campaign" for Tim Thomas, but glad for the support.
- Bruins have only allowed 7 goals in their last 6 games.
GAME PREDICTIONS:
Chris: Blackhawks 4-3 (OT)
Pat (OTP): Bruins 4-3 (OT)
Craig (Reader Of The Day): Bruins 6-4
BLOGROLL GAME PREVIEWS:
