Patchwork Bruins get it done

By Chris Maza
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

This was one the Bruins really needed.

It's been a tough week for the Bruins. Chuck Kobasew, who recorded one point in seven games with a minus-two rating was traded. Milan Lucic was placed on injured reserve with a broken finger. Marc Savard landed there two days later with a broken foot.

But the Bruins came through in fine fashion with a 3-2 win tonight. Sure, it came against the Nashville Predators, but look at it this way - if the Bruins had lost to the lowly Predators, how bad would things be?

Still, it was not the most impressive performance ever by a Bruins team. The B's lacked the trademark physicality that made them a force in the league a year ago and especially without Lucic, that mentality may be harder to come by. Therefore, based on current personnel, the Bruins will have to morph into a different kind of team and we saw a bit of that tonight.

Boston won this game largely on the ability to out-skate its opponent, something that has not been said about recent teams that call the TD home. Surprising speed and good puck movement were apparent, but not consistent throughout the game and if the Bruins wish to remain competitive, they have to improve.

Among the stars tonight was the man who I take every opportunity to rip - Tim Thomas. After his terrific season last year, Thomas had seemed to revert back to the Thomas of old, a guy who was always out of position and couldn't control rebounds. But tonight he had the kind of performance the Bruins will need, right down the the last second when he came up with a big save on a shot from the slot that would have tied the game.

How the Bruins react to the loss of two of their leaders remains to be seen, but tonight was a step in the right direction. It sure beats a loss.