"THE WEEKEND" Part 2

Here we have part 2 of the earlier blog on the phenomenal weekend in the Boston sports scene.
Moving on to my beloved Bruins, the club entered the first weekend of March on a sour note. The team lost both home matches earlier in the week, a disappointing 3-2 loss to the Thrashers coupled with a horrific 4-3 overtime defeat via the lowly Flyers.
Fortunately, with vaunted rival Montreal coming into Boston for a Saturday night matchup, the team's spirit turned positive. For the second time this season (both vs. MTL), the Garden played host to a true sellout. Both clubs played physical despite the preposterous NHL rules that were recently implemented, but it was the Bruins who scored first. Petr Tenkrat gave the Bruins a 1-0 lead, then soon thereafter Brandon Bochenski tallied a goal to send the Bruins to the second intermission up 2-0.
Tim Thomas played well in net, as usual. Sheldon Souray scored a goal in the third period, but that was all The Habs were able to muster. Glen Murray added a late goal and the B's won 3-1.
The following night, the club traveled to New Jersey to take on Marty Brodeaur and the first place Devils. In net, making his first start as a Bruin, was Joey MacDonald, finally giving Thomas a night off. The move paid off, as he made 26 saves en route to a 4-1 win.
MacDonald and the Bruins played smart, simple hockey versus the serene Devils. The club skated well and played solid defense, and MacDonald faced a rather uncomplicated 27 shots.
The goals were scored by Aaron Ward, Marco Sturm, Brandon Bochenski and P.J. Axelleson, the latter via an empty net.
The weekend went well for the Bruins, as they gained 4 points to move within 4 points of the eighth and final playoff spot, with games in hand. The team grew a bit closer after the recent transactions that occured earlier in the week. The team also may have found a backup goaltender for Tim Thomas, though MacDonald was put in an ideal position against the punch-less Devils. Even so, he now has earned a spot on the bench, as well as a start or two down the road. The club plays host to two home games this week, winnable matchup's against the Avalanche and Wild.
Meanwhile, the good news continued this weekend for the Patriots and Red Sox. The Pats signed Adalius Thomas, Kyle Brady and Sammy Morris. The club also announced the re-signings of Billy Yates and Heath Evans.
Thomas was the premier linebacker on the open market. In the last 3 seasons, Thomas recorded more sacks, 28, than any other LB in football. Morris will take over Corey Dillon's role as a third down specialist behind Laurence Maroney. Brady will assume the role of the evidently departing Daniel Graham.
All three players will add veteran leadership and continue the ever long success of the Patriots. Meanwhile, Tedy Bruschi confirmed that he will return to the Pats next season.
As for the Sox, Dice-K made his long awaited debut and threw two scoreless innings. Curt Schilling and Jonathan Papelbon looked great in dominating performances over the weekend as well. The team is hitting well thus far, but the defense and bullpen has struggled.
Lastly, even after losing their final game on Sunday, the Boston College Eagles clinched a first round bye in the ACC tourney. If they had defeated Georgia Tech, they would have won a share of the ACC regular season title. They next play Friday.