Three Stars - Bruins slip past Thrashers 4-3 in SO

Instead of a Haiku, i'm gonna give a quick "Three Stars" out for last night's game. We won't talk about the fact that i haven't posted in two weeks despite having attended both the Buffalo and Pittsburgh wins, because like David Krejci, I've been swined for the last 5 days.

Third Star - Michael Ryder

Look, much has been made of Ryder's prowess for not finding twine this year. I think we forget that he started slow last season too. But two goals last night, including a very important bounce back goal at the end of the second that by all rights saved the game for us by virtue of slowing ATL's momentum? That's a good step forward.

Second Star - Daniel Paille

I'm growing more and more impressed with the younger, cheaper and faster Chuck Kobasew. Props to Chiarelli for seeing that the lack of goal scoring in Buffalo was irrelevant when lined up against this guy's speed and tenaciousness. Yea, i went there. His tenaciousness (oooo) really shines on the PK, where i shit you not, he's played a huge part in the Bruins suddenly having the #3 ranked kill in the league. More of the same last night - every time we broke up a play, it felt like he was there.

First Star - Tuukka Rask

I don't care that he gave up three goals. The kid has minimal experience starting on the road and turned in a great performance against a hot team and one of the most gifted goal scorers in the NHL. He gave up a tip in, a screen bomb (from Ilya) and a traffic goal to Maxim the Magazine. Anyone gives those up. NOT anyone makes the saves he did in the shootout and NOT anyone makes the glove save he did in the second. Well done.

On to first place Buffalo tonight. After tomorrow morning, i'll free up for alot more posting so check back.