Joe McDonald, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Rapid Reaction: Islanders 3, Bruins 2

BOSTON -- The Boston Bruins have more to be concerned about than a 3-2 loss to the New York Islanders on Thursday night at TD Garden.

Bruins captain Zdeno Chara suffered an undisclosed injury in the first period and did not return. It was the second time this season the Bruins were forced to play with five defensemen in a game due to injury. Boston's Kevan Miller suffered a dislocated right shoulder during Saturday's 4-0 win against the Sabres in Buffalo, New York.

Chara's last shift came with 8:13 remaining in the first period. Earlier in the shift, he put a big hit on the Islanders' John Tavares between the circles in front of Bruins goaltender Niklas Svedberg. Chara did not appear to be injured and finished the shift before going to the room.

Chara has proven throughout his career the ability to play through injury, so the fact he was not able to return to action Thursday is a big worry.

As far as the rest of the game, the Bruins received goals from Milan Lucic and Chris Kelly, while Svedberg finished with 35 saves in the losing effort.

The Bruins were running all over the place early in the first period, so the Islanders took advantage of the nuttiness and gained a 1-0 lead when Frans Nielsen scored a backdoor goal at 6:21.

Boston responded late in the first when Lucic notched his first goal of the season. Linemate Seth Griffith had the puck along the boards in the offensive zone and knuckled a saucer pass to Lucic, who was crashing the net. Lucic redirected the pass, and it trickled past Chad Johnson to tie the game at one at 18:21.

With Chara out of the game, the Islanders scored twice in the second period for a 3-1 lead. New York's Kyle Okposo scored at 1:30 of the second before teammate Cal Clutterbuck gave the Islanders a two-goal lead at 9:27 of the period. Bruins defenseman Matt Bartkowski was on the ice for both goals.

In the third period, the Bruins cut their deficit to one when Kelly scored at 9:49. Linemate Carl Soderberg was battling for the puck along the boards, when he gained control, spun and took a shot on net. Kelly positioned himself perfectly for the rebound and knocked it home.

The Bruins sustained a massive flurry in the waning minutes but couldn't capitalize.

^ Back to Top ^