Chara Returns to Boston, Wilson's Dirty Hit on Carlo and Inconsistent Play Continues

A few days before the game, we saw the Bruins make a roster move, claiming Jarred Tinordi from the Nashville Predators to sure up the backend of their blueline due to numerous injuries as of late. Next up, we saw longtime Bruins captain Zdeno Chara return to Boston with the Washington Capital in town for a 2-game set. Washington gets on the board first with a goal that is overturned after review. Shots on goal were at a premium, for the Bruins did not have a shot on goal until the 15:28 mark of the 1st period. The game highlight is Trent Frederic repeatedly getting under Ovechkin's skin, who eventually spears Frederic in the groin and is subsequently fined for it. The Bruins finally breakthrough at 1:19 of the third by David Pastrnak but ultimately drop a 2-1 shootout loss.

The second game of the series was a contest marred in controversy. Brad Marchand sets off the scoring at the 14:21 mark of the first. Shortly after that, at the 18:50 mark, Tom Wilson of the Washington Capitals delivers a headshot on Brand Carlo that sent the Bruins defenseman out of the game and to the hospital. Come the second period Wilson was required to answer for his transgressions with an evenly matched tilt with newly acquired bruins Jarred Tinordi, sending both men to the box for five for Fighting. Bruins soon rallied off 5 straight goals. Winning the affair handily by a 5-1 final score, but not before Tom Wilson was required to drop his gloves, yet again this time with Trent Frederic, their second bout of the season. After the game, Tom Wilson was issued a 7-game suspension for his hit on Carlo.

The next game on the docket was Saturday, March 7th, when the Bruins traveled to New Jersey for a frustrating 1-0 loss where the Bruins put 40 shots on goal but could get anything against Devils' rookie netminder Scott Wedgewood. Next up was a similarly frustrating loss to the Islanders, where we saw the Bruins drop a 2-1 affair in the shootout where they were without half their starting six defensemen. The Bruins need to eventually figure out the secret to taking down this Islanders team.