Chris Bourque's first goal as a member of the Boston Bruins was all the team needed to win 1-0 over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Feb. 2.
The Maple Leafs have often provided the Bruins with opportunities for big or important wins--Boston won all six games against Toronto last season--but this one may have been especially important considering that the Bruins were coming off a deflating 7-4 loss.
It was a night of firsts for many Bruins, including Jamie Tardif's very first NHL game. He's played more than 400 games in the AHL, but never before experienced the big show. The team allowed him to lead the way onto the ice instead of Tuukka Rask, which was a nice touch. Dougie Hamilton also played his first game in his hometown while Lane MacDermid got his first and second fighting majors this season by taking on Matt Fraser twice.
This game was also a salute to the 60th anniversary of "Hockey Night in Canada," featuring a special pre-game presentation, ceremonial puck drop and appearance by larger-than-life former Bruins coach Don Cherry.
In the second period, Brad Marchand appeared to have hurt his shoulder and, though he played a few more shifts, he left the game early out of an abundance of caution. Gregory Campbell took his place and there is no update, as of yet, on how Marchand is feeling.
The Bruins play next in Montreal against the Montreal Canadiens on Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m. The game will be shown on NBC Sports Network as part of their Rivalry Wednesday feature.
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