And so, on a day of heavy snow and maddening gridlock in the old West End, Boston's three-game winning streak came to an abrupt and unspectacular finish at the Garden. A crowd of only some 3,500 brave souls ventured through storm conditions to Causeway Street (despite a reported attendance of 12,064 that would make a forensic accountant hyperventilate). Instead of a wintry treat, the modest gathering witnessed a freeze-out at the hands of the Devils, who built a 2-0 lead in the second period and allowed the Bruins but a meager 20 shots - the second time in four games they have cobbled only 20 on net.
"The biggest thing, when I look back on tonight, is the passing," said Bruins center Marc Savard, whose goal early in the third period sliced the New Jersey lead to 2-1. "We weren't hitting the tape . . . and there were too many icings."
All of which has been part of the New Jersey trademark for the better part of 15 years. No matter who is behind their bench (Brent Sutter is the watchdog these days), they have a patented knack on limiting opponents' chances, usually by taking control of the neutral zone and preventing opponents even from thinking about ways to crack their imaginary vault. To try to gain entry with anything less than fresh legs is all but impossible.
"Our legs for sure were not there," said top-line left wing P.J. Axelsson. "If it's not there, you have to fight through it somehow, and we weren't able to do that."
Following a scoreless first period, highlighted by a Milan Lucic-David Clarkson bout that had Lucic the decisive winner (his oversized fist print embedded on Clarkson's nose), the Devils had the win put away with a pair of strikes in the second period.
Goal No. 1, by ex-BC Eagle Brian Gionta, came with 10:57 gone, the sides at full strength. Gionta collected a pass in the New Jersey end from Johnny Oduya, and then made a beeline up the right side, racing past defender Andrew Ference as he approached the right circle. Alex Auld had the angle covered, but Gionta's quick shot from the right faceoff dot zipped between the towering goalie's pads, putting the Devils out front.
