Winter Classic Preview: Flyers Down B's in Shootout

The Bruins took a tough road defeat tonight against a tough Philadelphia Flyers team. During the pregame warm up, the two teams sported new winter caps that promoted the Winter Classic match up to be held between the two teams New Year's Day at Fenway Park. Last night's game was the first match up between the two teams of the season, and it was an absolute thriller. Ultimately, the Bruins were downed in the shootout and the Flyers came out on top 4-3. The Bruins will escape tonight's game with a point in the standings for their overtime effort and now they will look to right the ship as the season continues.

It was a back and forth game until new Flyer D Chris Pronger blasted one home on a rebound half way through the first period. C Patrice Bergeron looked very good during the game tonight, displaying bursts of speed and finesse coupled with impressive stick-handling. The B's tied the score on the power-play after D Zdeno Chara spun an incredible pass to fellow defenseman Derek Morris for a one timer evening the score at 1-1.

The Bruins are a team in need of motivation with leading goal-scorer Marc Savard and their lead aggressor Milan Lucic. The B's would net the first score of the second with a goal from Matt Hunwick. Shortly after, Philly would tie the score at 2-2 with a goal from Darroll Powe and later move ahead late in the period with a goal from Arron Asham. The Bruins responded as Steve Begin was able to net a goal and tie the score at 3-3.

Tuukka Rask got the start in goal tonight, his third of the season. Rask, now (1-1-1), kept the Bruins in the game with three spectacular saves including one miraculous save in the overtime period where he was able to flash just enough pad to stop the puck from entering the net.

Shootout:

Bruins - Wheeler, Bergeron, Ryder
Flyers - Briere, Richards, Giroux

Giroux was the only player to score in the shootout for either team and secured the win for the Flyers this evening.

Thoughts:

• Trent Whitfield was another stand out tonight. The rookie recently called up from Providence showed a will to win with his performance and showed no fear, even dropping his gloves in the third period for his first fighting major in the NHL.
• The Bruins have yet to play catch up in every game so far this season which is not the style of hockey that the team is accustomed to. It is still very early in the season but as always, Boston fans have great expectations. The team will have to play without Lucic or Savaard for at least the next month, so tonight's game was a good sign that the guys in the locker room are attempting to pick up the production for their injured teammates. Although it wasn't a win, the B's leave the building with a point improving their record to (4-4-1), third in the division.
• The Boston Bruins travel north of the border to take on the Ottawa Senators @ 7pm Saturday night for their third game in four nights.