October Wrap-up

Points in the month: 13

Record: 5-3-3

Goals for: 29

Goals against: 31


All in all, it's hard to be disappointed with the Bruins' October performance. The B's faced a rough early season schedule, and still managed to celebrate Halloween with a winning record. The B's played 8 road games and only 3 at the TD Banknorth Garden, including the always-treacherous Western Canada swing, on which the Black and Gold went 2-1 with 2 shutouts.

Tim Thomas is currently in the middle of one of his trademark hot streaks, where he seems to save whatever is thrown in his direction. Phil Kessel continues to put up points, Marc Savard continues to put pucks directly on the tape of his linemates, Zdeno Chara is still rock-solid on the blueline, and Dennis Wideman is playing like he deserves the big raise he got over the summer.

Really, there is very little, if anything, to complain about or nitpick. Michael Ryder still hasn't really gotten it going, and Marco Sturm has been invisible at times, but neither have been slouches on the defensive end, and one must believe that the scoring will come.

The only real issue I think the Bruins are facing right now is the shootout. The team went 0 for 3 in shootouts in October, costing themselves a win in Montreal, a win in the home-opener vs. Pittsburgh, and a two goal collapse vs. Buffalo. Those are 3 points, 2 against division rivals, that one can only hope don't come back to haunt the B's in March. It's hard to say what is wrong with the shootout lineup, as the B's have plenty of skilled players who can put the puck in the net. It appears that the shots just are finding the back of the cage early, and that needs to change. The shootout has become reality in the NHL, and that extra point is always huge. The B's need to start finding ways to pick it up.

NOVEMBER AT A GLANCE:

Games: 13 (8 home, 5 road)

Key opponents: vs. Montreal 11/13, vs. New York Rangers 11/15, at Montreal 11/22, vs. Red Wings 11/29

Currently the B's are 3 for 3 in November, picking up a quick six points. My prediction for this team is to finish November with 31 points, which would mean picking up 12 out of a possible 20 (excluding the three games that have already been played). I think this is a pretty reasonable goal, and wouldn't be surprised if they surpass that mark if the team keeps playing together as they have so far on this young season.