I want you all to remember this and put it in your vernacular: Bjorking. No, it is not singing 90s pop songs at karaoke, it’s when Anders Bjork dominates a game. I have so many reasons to be happy about Bjork this week. Not only did he put Tuukka Rask out of commission with a concussion, but he also showed up in a big way against the Canucks. The rookie sensation (that’s what I’m going to call him now) scored 2 goals and added an assist, while linemate Patrice Bergeron put up a goal and 3 assists in his 2018 debut. It’s amazing what can happen when our best player is on the ice huh? If Bjork can continue to skate well and play at a high level with Bergy and Marchy all season, it could be a very productive rookie campaign; he might have taken the leap over fellow rookie Jake DeBrusk after his three-point showing Thursday Night.

The second thing you need to do is say “Hi Kenny Agostino.” I’ll give you a minute to acquaint yourselves… Seriously though, I saw a jump from him on every shift, and he plays with a physical edge to his game as well. We can’t know if the lines will look the same all year, but at least last night he was beside another center whom was making his 2018 debut. David Backes still looks a little slow, but as the game progressed he started to put together some solid shifts, and I think Agostino’s style of play will compliment his nicely. Chances are he will split time with Matt Beleskey until one of them can prove to be the clearcut more productive player, as they both serve essentially the same purpose as the third line left winger.

Tim Schaller earned a Purple Heart after taking on the much bigger Erik Gudbranson early in the first period. Gudbranson was given a game misconduct after a cheap shot on Frank Vatrano, but Schaller stepped in for his teammate nicely. Not to mention, said penalty by Gudbranson lead to 3 power play goals on a 5-minute major! I don’t think I can recall a time I’ve ever seen the Bruins capitalize in such a way on a 5 minute power play.

As I mentioned, Tuukka was out, which meant backup Anton Khudobin was given another opportunity to play. Dobby improved to 2-0 on the season and while he may have let in 3 goals, he played a little better than that. The Bs penalty killing was unacceptable (the nature of the penalties the team took were equally frustrating) and the netminder couldn’t even see the puck half of the time. Vancouver’s first and third goals were the result of Khudobin being completely screened, and the Bruins defense failing to clear out traffic in front of the crease. The ability to fend off man-advantages will have to improve greatly moving forward this season; stout penalty killing has always been one of the things this Boston team could hang its hat on over the last decade plus, even when other parts of the game were lacking.

This was a great start to a lengthy home stretch for this young Bruins team, but it needs to continue over the next couple weeks. Boston faces off with an exciting Buffalo team Saturday, and while the Sabres record may not look so great, it is another young team with a fast, physical style of play. Buffalo is lead by talented BU alum Jack Eichel, and has been given a nice boost by physical forward Evander Kane, and the resurgence of the veteran Jason Pominville. Boston will need to keep all three in check if they are to have a chance to win.