Bruins vs Blue Jackets: keys to the game

Its time for the Boston Bruins first matinee game of the season and it comes against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Bruins are coming off of a very disappointing loss to the Colorado Avalanche in which they were shut out.

(Thornton back checking. Picture courtesy bluejackets.nhl.com)

Over the past decade the Blue Jackets have been trying to build an NHL team. They still have never made it past the first  round of the playoffs, but now it looks like their process is almost complete.

Especially in part to Sergei Bobrovsky the Blue Jackets Vezina trophy winning goalie. Last season Sergei Bobrovsky posted an even 2 GAA and a .932 save percentage.Thanks to Bobrovsky the Jackets almost made the playoffs. Now this season they get to have Marian Gaborik for a full season and continue to have great goal tending.

1) Shut Down Gaborik. Marian Gaborik is the best player the Jackets have. They acquired him midway through the shortened season when the Rangers looked to move some cap room off their books. So far this season he already has 2 goals and 3 assists in only 3 games. The Bruins need to be physical against Gaborik and make him think of a hit whenever he touches the puck.

2) Score Some Goals? The Bruins last game was very disappointing because they were shut out by a 36 year old goalie who the Leafs didn't even want anymore. The Bruins couldn't score and that's a scary sign because the team has had that problem in the past. Not to mention last night Tyler Seguin got a goal and an assist. Food for thought.