Bruins Bear Down On Carolina, 7-2

Revenge is a dish best served cold. The Bruins fed the Canes a heavy dose of overwhelming offensive fury and smothering defense, which won them the Eastern Conference regular season crown.

The Big Bad Bruins were back!

The B’s came out flying in the first period, putting 21 shots (1 more shot than they had in the whole game versus the Caps) on Hurricanes’ goalie, Cam Ward. Marc Savard, Michael Ryder, and Blake Wheeler all found the back of the net to give the Bruins a 3-0 lead after the first period. Newly acquired defensemen Derek Morris assisted on the team’s first two goals, both on the power play.

The Hurricanes must have got an earful from their coach during the intermission. They picked up the pace but the wind was let out of their sail pretty quickly.

Star goal scorer, Eric Staal left the game with a facial injury due to a one-timer.

Goalie Cam Ward was chased from the game after Marco Sturm increased the Bruins lead to 4-0.

His replacement, Michael Leighton didn’t fair much better surrendering yet another goal to the tenacious Bruins. Dennis Wideman put the biscuit in the basket to widen the gap to 5-0.

Tim Thomas’ bid for a shut out was erased by no other than public enemy #1, Scott Walker. If you remember, Scott Walker sucker punched, then Bruin and now teammate Aaron Ward, and ended game 7 in overtime.

The play was reviewed due to a possible high stick, but the score stood to make it

5-1. The Bruins faithful booed and chanted Scott Walker’s name.  He is the new Ulf Samuelsson or Claude Lemieux.

The Bruins grinders aka fourth line of Thornton-Bitz-Begin got into the scoring fun. Brawler, Shawn Thornton made his contribution not with his fists but with his stick.

Thornton took a feed from new Bruin, Steve Begin to make it 6-1.

Then it happened. Lucic Fight Club!

You knew Mr. Lucic would be heard from. He took on Jay Harrison and got the best of this Carolina Hurricane.

As the second period winded down, Andrew Alberts crosschecked Marco Strum from behind. Marc Savard let his distaste be known and pounced on Alberts.

The gloves and sticks were dropped. Let the melee begin. The Canes-Bruins hatred was at full boar. Chara got involved as well tossing a Cane around like a cabbage patch kid.

Eric Staal returned for the third period and potted a goal for Carolina to cut the lead to 6-2.  A very admirable effort by Staal after taking a slap shot off the ear. Staal and the Canes were taking advantage of sloppy play by the Bruins.

Tim Thomas held down the fort during the Canes four minute power play. However, old friend Sergei Samsonov went off for hooking and the Bruins capitalized. The team’s seventh different scorer, Matt Hunwick found pay dirt and the pummeling continued, 7-2.

Did someone say pummeling?

That is exactly what happened to Andrew Alberts who was on the receiving end of a Beantown beat down from Shawn Thornton.

This is Bruins hockey.

Just ask Erik Cole. He was blown up by Dennis Wideman with a thunderous hip check. Cole left the ice with a noticeable limp and hobble.

When the clock read triple zero, the Bruins had seven goals by seven different players.

They outshot Carolina 42-27.

Boston beat Carolina in every phase of the game.

Offense.

Defense.

Pure determination and grit.

A much needed win after an effortless loss on opening night versus Washington.

The Bruins finally woke from their hibernation even though it was a game late.

The Hub of hockey is happy the boys are back in town!

Nice Moment of the Night:

Long time Bruins announcer, Fred Cusick was honored during the second period. He passed away last month at the age of 90. He called the Bruins from 1971-1997 on WSBK and NESN.

His trademark “Scoooore!” still puts chills down my spine. His voice was synonymous with the Boston Bruins.

He will be missed.

Fitting the Bruins “Scooooooooooored” seven goals tonight.

Joe Gill is a featured blogger for Boston Sports Then and Now, Rootzoo.com and Trufan.com