Blue Jackets Win Round 1, Bruins Set for Rematch

By John in Bruins, Featured ⋅ September 23, 2009 at 6:28am ⋅ Post a comment

Remember this moment from April 4th against the Rangers? Tim Thomas and Fredrik Sjostrom probably don't after trading punches. As long as the Bruins hit the Blue Jackets just as hard Saturday and all other opponents this season.

The Bruins and Blue Jackets are set to square off Saturday night in the final preseason game, and if Tuesday’s game is any indication (a 6-5 Blue Jackets win via the shootout), we’re in for a shootout not seen since the OK Corral. The regular season is only days away, and things will need to shape up on both sides in order for them to show they can be players in the playoffs.

Bruins Key to Winning: Protect the Net

Tim Thomas was abysmal against the Rangers and Dany Sabourin wasn’t any better against Columbus. Tim Thomas and his backups need to perform in the same way that earned them the East’s top seed last season to give them a chance of taking home the Stanley Cup (unless they’re just using meaningless preseason games to lull opponents into false confidence, in which case I understand).

Blue Jackets Key to Winning: Sting the Bruins’ Defense

The Blue Jackets scored a powerful five goals against the Bruins Tuesday, and added two pucks into the net to win the shootout. They needed each and every goal to beat out the Bruins, who also tallied five goals. They out-shot the Bruins 36-26, which is a good sign that they’re more dominant on the ice and better able to keep the puck out of their own zone. Keeping the pressure ratcheted up will definitely up the Bruins’ chances of losing again.

Tags: Bruins, Columbus Blue Jackets, Dany Sabourin, Phil Kessel, Tim Thomas