Tag Archives: Braden Holtby

Apr 26 2012

Daily Noontime – April 26, 2012

Joel Ward's overtime strike on Wednesday lifted Washington past Boston in Game No. 7, 2-1! (Photo Credit: CBC.ca)

By NoontimeSports.com 

Ah… it’s Thursday, which means we’re one day closer to the end of the work week. However, this is a rather solemn day, as Bostonians mourn the loss of the Boston Bruins, so let’s try to brighten the mood with headlines and news!

* As stated above, the Boston Bruins quest toward a seventh Stanley Cup championship ended on Wednesday evening at the TD Garden when the Washington Capitals defeated them, 2-1 in overtime. Joel Ward scored the clincher at 2:57 in the extra session, which punched the Capitals ticket to the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

* After the seventh game concluded – James Murphy of ESPNBoston provided a ‘to-do‘ list of things the Bruins need to focus on during the offseason. Also, ESPN’s Barry Melrose provided his ‘two-cents‘ on the Caps 22-year-old goaltender Braden Holtby.

* The Boston Red Sox earned their first regular season series sweep of the season on Wednesday, as they defeated the Minnesota Twins, 7-6. Clay Buchholz earned second win of the season, while Alfredo Aceves registered his fourth save. As for the Sox offense, Mike Aviles his his fourth home run of the season, while Dustin Pedroia recorded a double and triple.

* The Sox will look to extend their three-game winning streak on Thursday when they travel to Chicago to face the White Sox at 8:10pm –Felix Doubront opposes Philip Humber.

* Finally, the Boston Celtics will conclude their 66-game regular season slate on Thursday when they welcome the Milwaukee Bucks to the TD Garden for an 8PM tip-off.

Apr 25 2012

Sideline Observations: Washington Capitals 2, Boston 1 (OT)

By Matt Noonan 

There’ll be a new Eastern Conference and Stanley Cup champion this year, as the Washington Capitals defeated the Boston Bruins in Game No. 7 at the TD Garden on Wednesday, 2-1 in overtime.

How the game was won: Washington’s Joel Ward recorded his first playoff goal at 2:57 in the extra session, which lifted the Capitals past the Bruins.

Washington will advance to the semi-finals for the second consecutive year in a row. They’ll most likely face New York, but that could change pending an Ottawa victory on Thursday.

No Home Cooking for Boston: Entering the seventh game of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals, Boston believed their crowd would provide the necessary assistance.

However, after a rather lackluster and up and down first frame, the noise and excitement disappeared, but returned once Tyler Seguin slid past Braden Holtby for the Bruins only strike of the contest at 14:27 in the second period.

In the third period, Boston’s crowd attempted to play the role of ‘the sixth man’ with various chants, but the Bruins didn’t deliver.

Boston’s Power Play: Once again, the Bruins power play was a major issue.

In the third period, Boston had a golden opportunity when Washington’s Jason Chimera was sent to the penalty box for holding at 17:34, but the Bruins failed to capitalize on their third power play of the contest.

Boston concluded their first round series with Washington going 2-for-23 on the power play.

Boston-Washington Make History: Boston and Washington set an NHL record with seven games being decided by one point. They also experienced four games that needed at least one extra session to decide the outcome, too.

Finally, if you’re a Boston Bruins fan who needs a pick-me-up, please click PLAY on the YouTube video we’ve provided below! 

Apr 25 2012

Boston Bruins-Washington Capitals Game 7 Questions/Thoughts

By Dan Libon 

Here are five questions and answers about Game 7 on Wednesday between the Boston Bruins and Washington Capitals. 

1.) How does Boston earn its third consecutive Game 7 victory going back to 2011 against Tampa Bay?

Boston needs to crash the net! The harder it is for Braden Holtby to track the puck, the easier it is for the Bruins to score. They also have to get dirty goals and rebounds, too.

2.) Who’s ONE player to watch in Game 7?

Alex Ovechkin is too obvious, so I’d say, let’s keep an eye on Alexander Semin, who many believe doesn’t have a great deal of heart. However, he has been an impact player in this particular series with three goals. He’s also been a force on defense; so again, keep your eyes on him.

3.) What do you expect from Braden Holtby in Game 7?

Those waiting for the downfall of Braden Holtby have been horribly disappointed. At no point in this particular series has the 22-year-old second year goalie performed like a 22-year-old second year pro goalie. He is probably going to have a great night as long as the Bruins allow him to have a clear view of the puck. He hasn’t cracked yet, and I don’t see him cracking now.

4.) Will Tyler Seguin provide any last minute fireworks?

For Tyler Seguin to duplicate his performance, he is going to have to use his speed to create opportunities. With that being said, it’s not him that needs to get a big time goal again, but the top six forwards, who have been rather quiet.

5.) What’s your prediction for Game 7?

The Bruins win it because after having a reputation of blowing game 7’s, they are now the premier seventh game team after last season. This is a team that went 3-0 in game 7’s last year behind last year. Bruins 2, Capitals 1

Apr 22 2012

Sideline Observations: Boston Bruins 4, Washington Capitals 3 (OT)

Tyler Seguin recorded the game-winner on Sunday, which forced a seventh game on Wednesday at the TD Garden! (Photo Credit: CBS Boston)

By Matt Noonan 

Facing a win or go home scenario, Boston buckled down and defeated Washington on Sunday at the Verizon Center, 4-3 in overtime, and forced a seventh game in this particular Eastern Conference quarterfinals series.

Tyler Seguin netted the game-winner at 3:17 in the extra session, and also recorded an assist in his team’s third postseason victory, while Andrew Ference, David Krejci and Rich Peverley each potted a goal for Boston.

How The Game Was Won: The Bruins earned a 3-2 lead midway through the third period before the Capitals evened the score with an Alex Ovechkin tally at 15:08, which prompted an extra session.

In the fourth frame, Boston earned their second overtime victory of the series on their third strike by Seguin, who managed to weave past Washington’s netminder Braden Holtby, (27 saves) for the clincher.

Seguin’s Goal Cracked Holtby: With a chance to help his team punch their ticket to the Eastern Conference semi-finals, Washington’s 22-year-old netminder deflected two shots by Boston in overtime, but couldn’t contain their third, as Seguin snuck the puck past Holtby for the game-winning goal.

Seguin’s strike propelled an animated postgame celebration on the ice, and pushed the momentum arrow toward Boston. It also exhibited that Holtby isn’t comfortable with traffic in front of the net, too.

Holtby has been rather impressive against Boston, but one might wonder, will he be able to rebound on Wednesday?

Two-Goal First Period: Entering Sunday’s afternoon affair, Boston had won 16 contests when they scored two or more goals in the first period.

Against the Capitals, the Bruins ended the opening period with a 2-1 lead, and wound up beating their first round foe by one goal.

Boston is now 17-0-0 when notching two or more tallies in the opening frame.

Game No. 7: Last season, Boston won two consecutive game sevens, and will attempt to earn their first of the 2012 playoffs on Wednesday.

Apr 20 2012

Daily Noontime – April 20, 2012

Rich Peverley registered Boston's game-tying strike in the first period, which wasn't enough to spark the Bruins offense, as the local hockey squad fell to Washington, 2-1! (Photo Credit: CBS Boston)

By NoontimeSports.com 

Happy Friday to everyone! Let’s kick-start the final work day with some headlines and news from…Boston! Also, Happy Birthday Fenway Park!

* The Washington Capitals evened their best of seven game series with Boston on Thursday, as they defeated the Bruins, 2-1. Braden Holtby deflected 44 shots between the pipes, while Rich Peverley notched Boston’s only strike in the first period.

* Boston and Washington will return to the ice for Game No. 5 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinals series on Saturday afternoon at the TD Garden — face-off is scheduled for 3:00pm.

* The Boston Red Sox will commemorate their 100-year-old ballpark on Friday when they host the New York Yankees for a 3:05pm first pitch. Both squads met at Fenway Park on this exact date 100 years ago, too.

* Clay Buchholz will be on the mound for the Red Sox on Friday, and will oppose Ivan Nova, who has won two contests this season against Baltimore and Los Angles.

* Finally, the Boston Celtics will play their final regular season road contest on Friday when they travel to Atlanta to face the Hawks — tip-off is at 7:00pm.

Apr 19 2012

Sideline Observations – Washington Capitals 2, Boston Bruins 1

By NoontimeSports.com 

Washington’s Braden Holtby deflected 44 of 45 shots between the pipes, and yielded one Boston goal, as the Capitals defeated the Bruins at the Verizon Center, 2-1.

Boston and Washington have now won two contests — both at home and on the road — and will play at least two more contests.

Marcus Johansson and Alexander Semin provided Washington with two goals, while Rich Peverley notched Boston’s only strike in the first period.

Tim Thomas concluded the game with 19 saves, too.

Boston’s power play woes continued, as they ended the contest 0 for 1, while Washington recorded a power play at 18:43 in the second period.

Both teams will return to the ice on Saturday afternoon, as Boston will host Washington for a critical fifth game of the series. Last year, Boston won the fifth game of their opening round series against Montreal, and wound up defeating the Canadiens in seven games.

What will happen this year? Thoughts? Ideas? Analysis? Feel free to post your comments about this particular series below!

Apr 16 2012

Sideline Observations – Boston Bruins 4, Washington Capitals 3

Zdeno Chara's third period goal lifted Boston past Washington, 4-3! (Photo Credit: Zimbio.com)

By Matt Noonan 

For the second time in five days, Boston ended a contest on the winning end, as the Bruins defeated the Washington Capitals, 4-3 at the Verizon Center.

Here are some postgame reactions and thoughts.

How The Game Was Won: With roughly two minutes remaining, and the score tied, 3-3, Boston’s Zdeno Chara whipped a shot from the nearside wing past Washington’s Braden Holtby, (25 saves) which clinched the victory for the Bruins.

Boston’s Fourth Line Sparked The Offense: Let’s give some props to the Bruins fourth line, which tied this particular match in the second period when Daniel Paille wristed a shot past Holtby. That strike rejuvenated the Black and Gold, and helped them register two more tallies before the buzzer sounded.

It All Starts With Defense: With a chance to earn a 2-1 lead in the series, Boston’s top defensive unit – Zdeno Chara and Dennis Seidenberg – ramped up their  intensity, and provided some physical blows late in the third period, which helped set up the game-winning goal.

Both players finished the contest with 11 combined hits, and five shots on net.

The Bruins Power Play: Once again, Boston ended another postseason contest with no power play goals. The Bruins are currently 0-for-11 against the Capitals when they have an extra skater, and will attempt to snap their scoreless streak on Thursday, Apr. 19.

Other Notes:

* Washington outshot Boston, 32-29. 

* Washington ended the game with one power play goal, but failed to capitalize on their second, third and fourth chances.

* The last time Boston led a series, 2-1 was against Tampa Bay in 2011 during the Eastern Conference Finals. The Bruins wound up winning that particular series, 4-3, and then defeated the Vancouver Canucks to claim their sixth Stanley Cup championship.

Apr 14 2012

Sideline Observations – Washington Capitals 2, Boston Bruins 1

Nicklas Backstrom evened the Bruins-Caps series with a double OT goal! (Photo Credit: Baltimore Sports Report)

By Brian Willwerth 

Two games, two overtime thrillers. And what started, as a best of seven is now a best of five.

On Saturday afternoon, Nicklas Backstrom scored early in double-OT to give the Capitals a 2-1 victory over the Bruins. The Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series is tied at a game apiece.

Game 3 is Monday night at the Verizon Center.

How the game was won: The Caps won a faceoff in the offensive zone.  Backstrom ended up with it in the left faceoff circle and wristed it past Tim Thomas for the game-winner.

As even as it gets: Through two games, each team has one win. Each team has scored two goals. Each team has scored one overtime goal. Both goaltenders have been stellar, with an edge to the Caps’ Braden Holtby (72 saves in the series.)

Other notes:

Thomas’ postseason shutout streak ended at 161 minutes, 41 seconds, as Troy Brouwer scored in the second frame. Thomas hadn’t allowed a goal since Game 6 of last year’s Stanley Cup Final.

Apr 12 2012

Sideline Observations – Boston Bruins 1, Washington Capitals 0

Chris Kelly's game-winning goal lifted Boston past Washington, 1-0! (Photo Credit: USA Today)

By Matt Noonan 

The Boston Bruins began their Stanley Cup title defense on Thursday against the Washington Capitals with an overtime clincher by Chris Kelly.

Kelly raced down the ice early in the extra session, and whipped a shot past Washington goaltender Braden Holtby, (29 saves) for the game-winning goal.

Boston now leads their Eastern Conference quarterfinals series, 1-0, and will return to the ice for Game No. 2 on Saturday.

Here are some observations and thoughts from Boston’s first playoff contest.

How the game was won: Boston needed three periods and 1:18 in overtime to net their only strike of the contest, as Benoit Poulio and Brian Rolston connected with Kelly, who then deposited the puck past Holtby for the score a few seconds later.

Washington had numerous chances in the third period to light the lamp, but Tim Thomas, (17 saves) deflected all nine shots, which helped Boston force overtime.

Props to Holtby: Washington’s netminder was certainly the player of the game.

Holtby earned some “brownie points” midway through the second session when Boston experienced a 4-on-3 power play. The 22-year-old netminder kept his composure, and managed to deflect a handful of Bruins shots, which didn’t exactly jumpstart the Capitals offense.

Boston’s offense recorded 17 shots in the second frame, but again, couldn’t muster a goal. They also tallied nine shots on Holtby’s cage in the first period, and three in the third.

Boston’s Power Play: Similar to last season, the Boston Bruins struggled immensely on the power play.

Boston endured four power plays on Thursday, but didn’t muster a single goal with the extra skater, while Washington ended the game 0-for-2.

Other Notes:

* Boston managed to win 33 of 65 face-offs, and also recorded 40 hits.

* The last time a Boston playoff team went into overtime tied, 0-0 was on May 12, 1995. New Jersey defeated the local hockey club, 1-0 in the extra session, and wound up winning that particular series, too.  

* The last time Boston led a quarterfinal series, 1-0 was in 2009 against Montreal.

* Tyler Seguin paced Boston’s offense with five shots on net, while Nicklas Backstrom led Washington with three.