Post-game Thoughts: Bruins 3, Flyers 2 (1-13-22)

· The Return of Tuukka

o In his first game since May (coming off hip surgery), goaltender Tuukka Rask looked like he has not lost a step. He was poised, square to pucks, and displayed the vintage calm demeanor that Bruins fans have become accustomed to since #40 first took the crease. He showed some noticeable rust when playing the puck, but that is to be expected after such a long layoff. Rask/Ullmark looks like it has the potential to be one of the leagues top duos down the stretch.

· Pasta remains hot

o What a stretch for David Pastrnak. After a brutal December which saw him go without a goal, Pasta has looked like his old self since the Bruins retuned from their COVID pause. After last nights Hat Trick he is up to 7-1-8 in his last 5 games, bringing him to 16-14-30 in 34 games. It looks like Pasta is having fun again, and that is a scary thing for opposing teams.

· Blidh-Nosek-Lazar is the best 4th line option this team has

o No disrespect to Trent Frederic, but there is no reason he should be back in this lineup when everyone is at full strength. The combination of Blidh-Nosek-Lazar had a very strong night. The speed and tenacity of Blidh/Lazar on the forecheck pairs well with Nosek’s steady all-around game. That line also likes to mix it up, which is an element that the Bruins have lacked in recent years on the 4th line. Don’t break this trio up.

· Urho Vaakanainen making his case for a spot in the top 6

o It has been a roller coaster of a professional career for Urho Vaakanainen. Once thought of as the top prospect in the Bruins system, he has seemingly been stuck in neutral the last few years. During his prior call-ups, his skating ability and ability to play a simple game has been evident. However, there were far too many instances of Urho struggling to defend against the bigger, stronger players in the NHL. This version of Urho has been what Bruins fans thought they were getting when he was a hyped-up prospect. He is defending well, and his ability to skate and transition the puck from Defense to Offense has been a huge boost to the Bruins. 23:16 TOI last night was second to Charlie McAvoy, and his deployment at the end of the game protecting a one goal lead was telling. Urho might be here to stay

· Credit to Tyler Lewington, but….

o It can’t be easy to be a taxi-squad player. One second you’re in Providence practicing with the AHL team and the next you’re in Boston for a nationally televised game against the Flyers. While it is nice that Lewington is a willing combatant and has no issue dropping the gloves, his fight with the Flyers Zack MacEwen was poorly timed. The Bruins were in control 2-0, and the Flyers got a clear energy boost following the scrap. They would go on to tie the game before Pasta put the B’s ahead for good 3-2. If Lewington is going to play, he needs to be smarter about choosing when to fight.