Boston Bruins Defeat Nashville Predators in Shootout: A Fan’s Reaction

The Boston Bruins knew they needed to get their game back on track otherwise the lackluster play in recent games would continue to grate on the nerves of fans. They took a step in the right direction on Saturday, February 11 as they defeated the Nashville Predators by the score of 4-3 in a shootout victory.

With the win, Boston improves to 34-17-2 on the season with 70 points. Despite their mediocre play in the past couple of weeks they continue to hold a sizable point lead over the Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs in the Northeast Division.

"I think that's certainly the start to what should be a wake-up call," coach Claude Julien said. "Obviously our guys have enough character in there. Just because you're going through a tough time doesn't mean you second-guess your team. We certainly don't. Everybody in that room cares. Right now it's about righting the ship with some better play from everybody."

While this statement was made before matchup against the Predators, it looks like the Bruins took it to heart against one of the better teams in the league.

Patrice Bergeron got on the board first for the Bruins with a shorthanded goal late in the first period. Shea Weber countered for Nashville on a power play to tie the game at 1-1 in the second period.

Daniel Paille gave Boston a 2-1 lead early in the third period but was later countered by back-to-back goals from Patric Hornqvist and Mike Fisher, giving the Predators a 3-2 lead with under four minutes remaining in the game. Milan Lucic found the net with just over a minute left in the game on a power play when goaltender Tim Thomas was pulled for an extra skater. The move paid off as it sent the teams into overtime with a 3-3 tie.

Overtime yielded no change in the score forcing the shootout. Both Tyler Seguin and Bergeron scored in the shootout while Sergei Kostitsyn and Martin Erat had their shots blocked giving the Bruins a 4-3 victory.

Boston dominated control of the puck all game out-shooting the Predators 41-22 on the day. In the end all that matters is they came away with the win.

The Bruins will face some stiff competition in their next game on Tuesday, February 14 when they host the New York Rangers. A couple days of rest will surely help them to be prepared.

More Boston Bruins Commentary from this Contributor:

Boston Bruins embarrassed in Buffalo: A fan's reaction

Boston Bruins dominant in win over Capitals: A fan's reaction

Boston Bruins downed by Penguins 2-1: A fan's reaction

Boston Bruins shutout and swept by Carolina Hurricanes: A fan's reaction

Boston Bruins edge Ottawa Senators 3-2: A fan's reaction

Sources:

All stats provided by NHL.com

Paul Rados is an avid Boston Bruins fan and a Featured Contributor for the Yahoo! Contributor Network. Follow him on Twitter @PSRados or leave him a message on Facebook. For a complete look at his freelance work please visit his Blog.

Note: This article was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Sign up here to start publishing your own sports content.