Bruins Finally Hammer Habs (When It Doesn't Count)

The Bruins hammered Montreal 8-3 in either team's first pre-season tilt of the 2008-09 season.

Marco Sturm (2-2) and Vladimir Sobotka(2-0) led the way for Boston, and centreman Patrice Bergeron, returning from a severe concussion suffered way back in October of last season, notched a goal and three helpers.

Jaroslav Halak surrendered five goals through the first 40 ntrof play before giving way to Marc Denis to make his first appearance as a Hab. Denis didn't fare much better, allowing 3 more goals to get by on 13 shots. Boston finished with 5 powerplay goals.

Montreal were eventually outshot by a disturbing margin; 42-19.

It looks like the Bruins intend on putting an end to the Habs' dominance of them over the years. Montreal swept the season series last season, going a perfect 8-0 vs. Beantown. Although they won tonight, the win doesn't count in the standings of course, so the streak is still alive for Montreal.

Ben Maxwell, Tomas Plekanec (5-on-3) and Mike Glumac had Montreal's goals. The best line of the evening was the second trio compiled of Ben Maxwell centering Max Pacioretty and Alex Tanguay. Tanguay finished with two assists in his Habs debut.

As expected with blowouts, things got physical in this contest.

All in all, there were four fights to report (including a sweet tilt between veterans Steve Begin and Shawn Thornton) and a total of 100 penalty minutes split between the clubs. Certainly no love lost between these two bitter rivals.