Frank Vatrano Excels in Loss
Photo by Joe Makarski
A lot at stake for the Boston Bruins. Out of 15 sports writers /
analysts looked at only 2 give the Bruins a chance to make the play-offs. (Probably less
now.) After a disappointing lackluster 4-0 loss vs. the NY Islanders and given a
day off by Coach Claude Julien, the Bruins were all charged up and ready to go
last night against the Detroit Red Wings. Tension was high under the pressure to
make the play-offs and to keep their popular Coach from getting fired. In
particular, Bruins Captain Patrice Bergeron wants to save the Coach he admires
and respects.
A hockey old timer that I respect said "It is all about the line that a
potentially good player, plays in." This is especially true when you have a
quick release sharpshooter like Frank Vatrano who can score. You have to get him
the puck! Last night Julien put the East Longmeadow, MA native in the first line
and it paid off immediately. Vatrano scored within the first 44 seconds of the
game with an assist from Patrice Bergeron. Then with only 2.27 into the game
this was followed by a Bruin's goal by Brandon Carlo...and THEN, another goal
8:50 into the game by Frank Vatrano, to give the Bruins a 3-0 lead. It looked
like it was going to be a Bruin's night.
The Red Wings, however, are a very good team. Dylan Larkin, younger brother
of present UMass Boston Hockey star, Colin Larkin, scored his 12th goal of the
season...yet he is only 20 years old. The Red Wings were back in the game.
It was an exciting game to watch, Vatrano took some additional hard shots
at the net, but the final score ended tied at 5-5 in regulation. Overtime
produced no winner and it went to a shoot out where the Bruins lost a heart
breaker, 6-5. The Bruins aren't out of it yet but they go against a tough
Chicago Black Hawks team tomorrow night. Will they make the play-offs? Will
popular Coach Claude Julien get fired? These answers will be coming soon.
Frank Vatrano has a very respectable 5 goals and 3 assists in 14 games.
Alfredo DiLascia
Image News Service
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