Game #28 - vs Boston Bruins

2011-12 Game 28

Boston Bruins (16-7-1, 33 points) at Pittsburgh Penguins (16-7-4, 36 points)

Wow - what a year Tyler is having so far.  His rookie card  has been selling for north of $60 ungraded.

Why does it matter?

On October 29th, the Bruins lost the back end of a home and home with the Habs, falling to 3-7.  Since that time, they are 13-0-1.  That's right - no regulations losses during the month of November.  This is the biggest challenge the Pens have faced all season.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - After the win on Saturday night in Carolina, the Pens are 5-1-1 since Sid returned.
• Bruins - They just completed a home and home sweep of the Leafs, winning the games by three goals each time.

Questions to be answered

• How will the Pens slow down the prolific scoring the Bruins are showing?  
• Can the Pens get past the hot goalie?  Make no mistake - the Bruins are allowing shots - before Saturday night, they'd allowed over 30 in five straight games.  They're winning with a hot goalie (two of them, actually).
• Geno will need to step up, because the Bruins will be able to deploy Chara against Sid (or vice versa).  Can one of these guys rise to the challenge and have a big night?

Keys to the game

• Fleury.  He's the absolute #1 key.  He has to be at his best, because the Bruins have three lines that can all score, which will give massive headaches to the depleted defensive corps of the Penguins.
• Get traffic in front of the net, no matter whether it's Thomas or Rask, and bury your chances.
• Get nasty.  The Bruins will try to beat you up physically (with Lucic, especially).  Get emotionally involved and stay that way.