The Boston Bruins roadtrip

Starting the season away from home cannot be easy. The Boston Bruins began their 07-08 season on a five game road trip to the west coast. These five teams included, respectively; Dallas, Phoenix, Anaheim, Los Angeles and San Jose. Three of these five west coast teams are arguably top teams in the league, therefore, it would not have been a surprise had the Bruins come home -this thursday against Tampa Bay- with a 2-3-0 record. A record below ,500., which would not have been a surprise to the majority of the Bruins fans. For the past two year the Bruins have been a flat-styled team, who was taken advantage by many teams. Bruins fans know what I mean when I say "taken advantage' last season. Furtunately, it seems that the Bruins have changed their playing style, adding some finese, speed and the much needed physical presence. But, then again, they have only played five games so far, with seventy-seven remaining. It is too early to say anything, but it is not too early to smile at the progress taken place. However, I do not mean to say that the Bruins have dominated throughout these five games. In my opinion, they have played poorly twice. However, it does illuminate some light when you produce the opposite results to what the majority of the journalists covering hockey have predicted.
The Bruins had a good game overal against Dallas, but failed too show it in the final result, losing 4-1. The Bruins completely dominated the Phoenix Coyotes 3-1, however, the Bruins missed about two empty nets. Even though the Bruins lost their third game, 2-1, against the Anaheim Ducks, the Bruins managed to stay in the game and keep up with the Ducks.
What surprised me the most was friday's game against Los Angeles Kings. I had hoped for a more offensive game by the Bruins, which, surprisingly, happened. However, the Bruins forgot about defence, which let to a frenzy amount of goals. At one point the Bruins were leading 4-1. Then, just before the end of the second period, the Kings scored twice, cutting the Bruins lead to one. Nonetheless, the Bruins scored two quick goals, pushing their lead to 5-3. Once again, the Kings scored twice, tying the game 5-5. Back and forth this game went, until the Bruins finally broke away, scoring three goals before the Kings scored their last goal with five seconds remaining. The final score was 8-6 Bruins. No doubt about Boston's offence. But where was the defence, let alone new comer, Manny fernandez (Goalie)? It upsets me that our number one goalie, Manny Fernandez has allowed 10 goals in two games. He has a record of 1-1-0, 5,00GAA and a horrible ,796SV%. But, I shall not look into it that much. It's only his first two games of the season.
There last game, of the five game road trip, was against the San Jose Sharks. The Bruins had lead 1-0 until there was 38 seconds left in the game. The Bruins had dominated the first period, outshooting the Sharks 12-4, as well as outplaying them. However, the Sharks retaliated and outshot the Bruins 13-0 in the third and 10-8 in the third. Former Bruin, Joe Thornton, set up the tying goal, but 16 seconds later -with 12 seconds remaining- Bruins defenceman, and often criticized since acquired last season, Aaron Ward scored. Even though the Sharks had hit 4 posts, the Bruins had won their third game. Their next game is their home opener against the Tampa Bay Lightning.