Back From the Dead

Joining a team down the home stretch is a lot of pressure, not as bad as being called in midway through a game against a red hot team though. That is what recently signed Boston Bruins G Marty Turco was forced to do Sunday afternoon.

The Bruins were on the road for an afternoon clash against the surging Pittsburgh Penguins. The Pens had won 8 straight going into the game. After a rough first period, the Bruins found themselves down 3 - 0 with G Tim Thomas having 7 saves on 10 shots. The Bruins needed a shake up going into the second frame and they got one.

Coach Claude Julien made the switch for the start of the second period, putting Turco between the pipes. The momentum shift was instant as F David Krejci scored at the 1:56 mark to cut the deficit to 2. The Pens were quick to strike back with a goal a mere 2:41 later, restoring the 3 goal cushion. Turco went on to stop 10 of 11 shots in the frame. 

Turco getting tested by Craig Adams

The comeback would fall short for the Bruins as they would go on to lose 5 -2. Pittsburgh managed to score the only goal in the third maintaing the 3 goal lead after Boston scored midway through the second. Turco again kept out 10 shots in the third period to earn a .907 SV% in his first game back this season. 

Turco was playing for EC Red Bull Salzburg of the Austrian Hockey league before being signed by the Bruins. 

He had an excellent return, which was a difficult situation for any goalie to enter into. He accomplished exactly what the Bruins wanted him to do, which is to support Thomas and maintain an edge in the net. 

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