Boston Bruins Beat: Bruins experience first cold streak of the new year

by Henry Loughlin, Josh Asen, and Madeleine Stix | 02/06/2012

Despite preparation for this weekend's Super Bowl between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants, the Bruins hoped to capture the attention of New England fans with another three wins at home. However, after a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Ottawa Senators, the Bruins faded for the first time this year, suffering two puzzling losses to the Carolina Hurricanes and Pittsburgh Penguins. Last Saturday, the Bruins played against Pittsburgh, where the defenses would set the tone for the game.With eight seconds left in the first period, Penguins center Evgeni Malkin capitalized on the power play, firing a goal past Bruins goalie Tim Thomas for a 1-0 lead. After a goalless second period defined by missed scoring opportunities from the Bruins, Pittsburgh forward Matt Cooke broke through Boston's defense once more, tapping a goal past the outstretched glove of Thomas for a 2-0 lead. As the period progressed, the Bruins crowd grew increasingly silent.