Bruins Beat Flames in Overtime for Eighth Straight Win

The Boston Bruins blew a two goal lead at Calgary on February 28th, but came back to beat the Flames in overtime 4-3. Boston improved to 47-8-5 on the season, or 99 points. That’s by far the best record in the NHL (Carolina is 2nd with 86 points).

The Bruins have been dominating all season. Goalie Linus Ullmark had a career high 54 saves in the win at Calgary. He is the league leader in wins and save percentage, and is allowing just 1.88 goals per game, also best in the league. The Bruins can put it in the net too; they are third in scoring with 3.72 goals per game.

Some of Boston’s Eastern Conference foes are making deals to upgrade themselves ahead of the trade deadline. The New York Rangers acquired the biggest name when they picked up Patrick Kane from Chicago. The Toronto Maple Leafs engaged in a frenzy of activity, picking up defensemen Luke Schenn from Vancouver, Erik Gustafsson from Washington, and Jake McCabe from Chicago, in a deal that also brought them forward Sam Lafferty. Toronto also added centers Ryan O’Reilly and Noel Acciari from St, Louis. Toronto is second in the Atlantic Division and fourth in the conference with 82 points, and while these roster moves probably won’t get them past Boston in the regular season, they are definitely taking an all in approach to win their first Stanley Cup since 1967. Boston at this point is sticking with their current hand, and they’ve been dealt a pretty good one.

Update: And as soon as I write that Boston is standing pat, the Bruins trade some draft choices to the Detroit Red Wings for Tyler Bertuzzi. The veteran forward has had an injury plagued season, playing in just 29 games, but he’s back healthy now.