Boston Bruins: Game 5

Record: 5-1-0

     The B's passed the first big test of the season with flying colors, taking both games of a home and home with the Washington Capitals.  After taking the first game in Washington, 3-1, the B's came back to Boston two days later to try again.  The Caps had control over most of the first period, carrying the play and determining the pace of the game, but Michael Ryder's power play goal with seconds left in the period turned the game around.  When the Bruins came out for the second period they never looked back, controlling the rest of the game and adding tallies by Jordan Caron, Nathan Horton and Zedano Chara for a 4-1 victory.
     I don't know if I should call it a surprise, but one of the highlights of the season so far has to be the play of Tim Thomas.  I'm starting to believe that this guy only plays well when everyone is down on him.  He kept Boston in the game in the first period with some spectacular saves and has stepped back up into the starting position.  The biggest problem with the team at the moment seems to be that we have two starting goalies, a problem I'm sure every other NHL team would gladly have.
     Another problem that the Bruins have been trying to address is a somewhat lack luster power play.  With a 3 for 4 power play in this game, it seems like the work they have been doing may start to pay off.  Julien kept the HuLK line (Horton, Lucic, Krejic) together, something I think should be more common.  Why wouldn't your number one line also be your power play line?  If they are your best scorers, shouldn't they be together for the power play as well?  Another interesting move was putting Recchi on the point.  Over his career Recchi has been a force in front of the net, but he seemed to be just as valuable at the point.  He moved the puck well and added another threat on the ice.
     I found it interesting that Julien started the game with the number 4 line on the ice (Thorton, Campbell, Marchand).  I read somewhere that one of the problems the B's had last year was that Begin played hurt most of the season, so the 4th line only logged a few minutes a game.  Now with this year's 4th line playing so well, they are on the ice more giving the other lines more time to rest.  I can't tell you how much fun it is watching this line play.  They are all over the ice, playing tough physical hockey, and it's ending with great results.  If they can keep up the pressure, it is going to mean good things for the Bruins this season.