Boston returned to the Garden looking to extend a two-game winning streak, but they slipped into neutral in the first game of a four-game homestand. After a spirited affair with the Flyers that ended in a 2-2 deadlock, the Bruins floundered dropping consecutive games to the Islanders and then the Flames. Both New York and Atlanta reaped the rewards of second-period collapses with the Isles outscoring Boston 3-0 in the frame to win 6-3, and the Flames carrying a 3-2 advantage to a 5-3 victory. Three of Boston's losses have come at the hands of the league-leading Islanders already in the young season, and the teams will meet once again on the upcoming road trip. Boston outshot New York 41-26, including 19-5 in the final period, but Billy Smith was magnificent in holding down the Boston barrage.
On a positive note, Boston went 2-0 on the fight card as Ken Hodge came to the aid of Bobby Orr after he was low-bridged by Flyers' winger Don Saleski. In the Atlanta game, the usually mild-mannered Jean Pronovost caught the ire of Terry O'Reilly.
The last game was a battle of attrition with their arch-rivals, the Montreal Canadiens, closing out the homestand. Boston got out of the gate quickly with Bobby Orr racing down the right side as dishing to Johnny Bucyk in front of the net. Bucyk's shot caromed off Montreal defenseman Serge Savard and past Ken Dryden.
Gilbert staring down Bob Gainey
It looked as though that goal might hold up as Gilles Gilbert turned in his best performance of the season so far. His play has been inconsistent, and it was nice to see him playing up to his capabilities. Unfortunately, Dryden continued to match Gilbert after the early marker as Boston just couldn't add on. In the third period, the Bruins ran into penalty trouble racking up three minors, and this would cost them. Habs' center Jacques Lemaire beat Gilbert on their final powerplay of the game to tie things up. Boston had to settle for one point in a 1-1 draw. Highlights of the game are below along with statistical leaders to date. For editions of the teams included in this campaign, check out the initial announcement on my classic 70s season.
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