Second period quick hits (by Tim Rosenthal):

– Looks like all that Loui Eriksson and Carl Soderberg needed was another linemate, and that came with Daniel Paille out of all people. The trio have combined for six shots on goal with Paille twice in as many games following his first period tally. Claude Julien has been trotting this line out often and it seems to be paying dividends for the Bruins so far.

– In just his third start over the last 18 games, Niklas Svedberg looks like he’s regaining some confidence. He only saw four shots in the first period, but the Swedish goalie had his work cut out for him in the middle 20 as he made 12 second period stops. His best save came on a one-timer by Michael Cammalleri after Jordin Tootoo leveled Adam McQuaid and fed his fellow linemate for the scoring chance. Svedberg moved very well from side to side and looked very comfortable.

– On the other end, Cory Schneider is standing on his head. This is nothing new for the Devils as their offense continues to struggle. The former Boston College net-minder has 21 saves through 40 minutes.

– As good as the Black and Gold have been tonight, they could really use some insurance and they’ll have a good chance to add to their lead when they have 1:35 of power play time to start the third period.

– The Bruins enter tonight with a 21-1-2 mark when leading after two periods. On the flip side, the Devils are 2-20-1 when trailing after 40.

First period quick hits: 

-Word came down this morning that Tuukka Rask was back at the team hotel due to an illness so, Niklas Svedberg got the call tonight in New Jersey. Svedberg has been pulled in two of this last three starts where he has allowed six goals on 25 shots. The only other game the 25 year-old started in the past month was against the Devils. “Sveddie” notched a 14 save shutout in the 3-0 victory on January 8th. It’s a much needed night of rest for Rask who has been more than a work horse lately. Rask appeared in 18 games in a row. The Swedish net-minder owns a 5-5-0 record on the year with a 2.43 goals against average. In the first 20 minutes, Svedberg wasn’t really tested making four saves, but looks more confident between the pipes to say the least.

-The Bruins struck first as Daniel Paille scored his second goal in as many games after being a healthy scratch for a couple games. It was a costly giveaway by the Devils defense, but give the Black and Gold credit. It was a clean breakout starting with Matt Bartkowski and quick puck movement leading to the 1-0 lead. Loui Eriksson set up Paille on a great feed for his 21st assist of the season.

-The B’s received the first power-play of the game, but could not capitalize on the man advantage and extend their lead. It was their 14th power-play in their last four games. The opportunities are there that weren’t there earlier in the year for Claude Julien’s crew.

– David Pastrnak was the best player on the ice in the opening 20 minutes. His speed was causing major problems for the Devils not to mention his defensive play. Pastrnak was creating opportunities for his line almost resulting in a Milan Lucic goal early on. In 5:59 of ice time, Pastrnak notched two shots and made the most of his minutes.

-The B’s defense has been tight tonight not giving much of anything to the Devils. Over the last four periods against New Jersey, the Black and Gold have held them to a grand total of 18 shots on goal.