The Boston Bruins looked tired, less potent and played from behind for much of the game, but in the end, they managed to earn two points by beating the New Jersey Devils 2-1 in a shootout on Jan. 29.
After David Clarkson put New Jersey ahead in the second period, the Bruins struggled at times to even get their passes together, especially in the offensive zone. Players like Patrice Bergeron and Rich Peverley, who both had four shots on goal, made good attempts but with no finish.
Late in the third period, though, Nathan Horton scored his third goal of the season to spoil Johan Hedberg's shutout. He has now recorded a point in four consecutive games to date and received special post-game praise from coach Claude Julien.
"He's a machine…doesn't seem to have skipped a beat," Julien said. Considering that Horton missed significant time last season due to a concussion, his fast start is especially good for himself and for the team.
Horton's goal allowed the Bruins to get into overtime and secure at least one point from the game, though a shootout was needed to fully decide things. Tyler Seguin scored on his first try and on a second try granted to him when someone foolishly threw a hot dog onto the ice. Ilya Kovalchuk also scored, but then it became a duel of goaltenders until Brad Marchand netted the eventual game-winning shootout goal.
The Bruins will face their first Northeast Division opponent of the season on Jan. 31 when the Buffalo Sabres come to town. The Sabres played, and lost 4-3 in overtime, on Jan. 29.
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