Here’s a sports recap taking you into the weekend:
Last night, the B’s took on the New York Islanders at the TD Garden. Coming off a 4 game point streak (3-0-1), the Bruins looked to continue their winning ways behind goaltender Tuuka Rask. The B’s struck first with 6 minutes to go in the first on Lucic’s 15th goal of the season. Savard got the assist, tallying his first point of the 2010-2011 season. The Islanders tied it up in the second with Frans Nielsen scoring on a penalty. Later in the second, David Krejci went to the sin bin for hooking, but that didn’t stop the B’s. Brad Marchand intercepted a pass in the offensive and scored on Islanders’ net-minder Rick DiPietro to give the B’s a 2-1 lead. In the third, Michael Ryder scored on the Power Play to give the B’s the go ahead goal. New York made it interesting late, scoring with 3:30 to play, but the B’s tacked on two empty netters by Lucic and Bergeron to clinch a 5-2 win. The B’s didn’t play great, but did enough to win last night. Tuuka played alright, making 33 saves in the victory. This is only Tuuka’s 2 win of the season. The B’s improved to 16-8-3 on the season.
With last night’s win, the B’s moved up to 5 in the East, trailing conference leading Pittsburgh by 6 points. The B’s are heading to Philadelphia on Saturday night in a rematch of last weeks win. Puck drops at 7:05. Other Bruins news, Marc Stuart injured his hand in Tuesday night’s OT win. He will be out 4 -6 weeks recovering. Also, the B’s made a couple trades yesterday, restocking their AHL team.
The Annual MLB Winter Meetings wrapped up yesterday and the Red Sox made one of the biggest splashes in recent history. On Sunday, the Sox got Adrian Gonzalez via trade from the Padres and are in the process of signing him to a 7 year, $154 million extension. Next, the Sox picked up the biggest free agent position player on the market this year: Carl Crawford. The Sox should be announcing their agreement to a 7 year, $142 million deal this morning, pending a physical. Although investing about $300 million this offseason, the Sox are not done. They are rumored to be a top contender for former two time all-star, free agent catcher Russell Martin. Also, the Sox are rumored to be in the mix on a bunch of relievers, one of which is Scott Downs from Toronto. With two pickups and more on the way, it’s hard not to expect great things from this team, especially when Josh Beckett and John Lackey are your number 3 and 4 starters coming into the 2011 campaign. Stay tuned…
The Celtics continued their winning ways last night in Philadelphia. Although the Celts were down two big men in Shaq and Jermaine O’Neil, they grinded out another victory. The 4 quarter was back and forth, and the 76ers took a one point lead with 10 seconds to play. Doc called a time out and drew up an incredible inbound play. Rondo lob passed to Garnett for a layup to clinch the victory. The Celts are now 18-4 and sitting atop the Eastern Conference by 3 games. Once the Celts get healthy, they are going to be a dangerous team to play.
Last but not least, the Pats are coming off a huge Monday victory against the Jets with another monster game in front of them. Sunday, the Pats are travelling to Chicago to take on the Bears. The Pats are looking to better their league leading record to 11-2, pushing them one step closer to home field advantage in the Playoffs. If their defense can play as well as they did last week, there will be huge expectations come January and February for this team.
With two teams currently in the top spot of their respective leagues, one within striking distance, and another making huge free agent splashes, this should shape up for an awesome 2011 season in Boston.