3/8 - Bs @ Lightning (Battle for First Place)

[Ferm Sheller]

The Bs (81 points/67 GP) would move into FIRST place in the Atlantic with a regulation win against the TB Lightning (82 points/66 GP) in the hot sun (and even an OT loss will give the Bs sole possession of second place). The Lightning are coming off a road loss against Philly last night--a trip that must have required something like 2,000 miles in total travel. Let's take two points (in regulation) against what's a really good team--and hopefully one that's at least equally as tired as the Bs.

 

[McDrew]

The B's are sitting at 5/6 points with a game in hand against the best in the East, the best in the West, and the two teams ahead of them in their division. The schedule got difficult, and the B's have responded with points.

Seriously think Marchand/Bergeron/Stempniak is a line to be reckoned with. Stempniak has an ability to find the other two, and they're just on another level right now in terms of coordination.

 

[Red Right Ankle]

Yeah, Stempniak looks like a brilliant pick up by Sweeney a week in. I think TFP pointed it out in the trade discussion thread that he was leading the Devils in points when the Bs traded for him - the guy is good (or at least having a very good season).

 

[kenneycb]

The Lightning basically slept through much of the Philly game, mustering less than 20 SOG and losing 4-2 to a mediocre Philly team.

 

[The Napkin]

Looks like Morrow in for Trotman

 

[PedroSpecialK]

Nice. I'm praying Claude stays with Liles on the right side instead of Seidenberg, assuming Morrow gets sheltered minutes - but with McQuaid as the only RHD, I could see Krug & Seids getting rotations on Z's right as well.

 

[LogansDad]

This game feels important. Is this game important? It makes me happy, excited, and nervous all at once.

I need a beer.

 

[LogansDad]

NESN and Jack Edwards just had a pretty awesome tribute to Claude on the pregame show.

 

[blueguitar322]

Anyone willing to PM me a good stream? The myp2p ones are really choppy.

 

[veritas]

I'm not sure if Liles has elite passing skills or I'm just not used to seeing a defenseman who can pass the puck

 

[Maximus]

Very happy Morrow is in for Trotman.

 

[LogansDad]

Can't tell if it is my feed, but it seems like this arena is absolutely rocking tonight.

 

[TheRealness]

I'm not sure if Liles has elite passing skills or I'm just not used to seeing a defenseman who can pass the puck

He doesn't panic under pressure. Our defenseman have commonly struggled under a strong forecheck.

 

[Rico Guapo]

Feels like a playoff game. Great hockey so far.

 

[Jordu]

Feels like a playoff game. Great hockey so far.

Oh yeah. The pace is intense.

 

[kenneycb]

He doesn't panic under pressure. Our defenseman have commonly struggled under a strong forecheck.

For pretty much forever.

 

[Jordu]

Liles out there with Chara. There's a foot difference in their heights.

 

[Dropkick Izzy]

Can't tell if it is my feed, but it seems like this arena is absolutely rocking tonight.

Well, they did just play "She's a Beauty"...

 

[veritas]

Oh yeah. The pace is intense.

With both teams playing last night we're going to find out who's in better shape

 

[kenneycb]

I hate BC on BC crime.

 

[Nomar813]

Beleskey looks great tonight.

 

[Maximus]

Great denial by Big Ben.

 

[Maximus]

Good PK there.

 

[SoFloSoxFan]

Is that going to get attention from the league office?

 

[McDrew]

We're going to see the replay of that hit a few more times tonight.

 

[LogansDad]

Holy shit that was a hell of a period.

 

[PedroSpecialK]

Iffy hit by Liles, looked like an awkward one for him to evaluate.

Great pace thus far, unreal play by Marchand to set his breakaway up.

 

[veritas]

It looked more reckless than malicious, he did kinda duck his head as he was falling down. But Liles sticking out his elbow like that didn't look good.

edit: yeah, in slo-mo that looks awful. he's gonna sit a game or two

 

[kenneycb]

It looks like Liles punched him in the face on slo-mo.

 

[LogansDad]

Busted open the La Cumbre Cafe con Leche.... not surviving this one without a brew.

 

[cshea]

I think Liles gets a fine at the minimum, and maybe sits a game or two. His lengthy, clean track record may keep him on the ice.

 

[Rico Guapo]

Pasta jacking guys up out there, love it.

 

[LogansDad]

NESN production crew has been iffy tonight.

 

[cshea]

Christ I fucking hate Brian Boyle

 

[LogansDad]

So as long as you use your body instead of your stick, tripping is okay. And by laying yourself on the ground, interference is quite alright.

 

[catomatic]

Christ I fucking hate Brian Boyle

Love how his weak grip on his stick gave TB a PP but when he tightens it, the trip on Pastrnak goes uncalled.

 

[LogansDad]

GUS

 

[veritas]

How is that not interference?

 

[cshea]

I hate the 2nd period.

 

[LogansDad]

GUS GUS

 

[SoFloSoxFan]

great save

 

[catomatic]

Ten bell save!

 

[Jordu]

Huge sequence for Gus. Keep it up, Jonas.

 

[LogansDad]

That's a weak fucking call considering how much they've let go this game.

 

[LogansDad]

Jesus Chara, how do you not clear that?

 

[catomatic]

Bullshit PP differential.

 

[Maximus]

Another good PK.

 

[catomatic]

Time for a wake-up call by these refs - wherein they wake-up to the glaring disparity in calls.

 

[Hector Salamanca]

 

[Dropkick Izzy]

Quaider killed a guy