Bruins achieve three milestones in come-from-behind win in Ottawa

The Boston Bruins (17-3-3) hit three milestones in their 3-2 shootout win versus the Ottawa Senators on Monday night: Zdeno Chara played in his 500th game for the Black and Gold, David Krejci donned the B’s sweater for his 400th time and Head coach Claude Julien tied “Mr. Bruin” Milt Schmidt in all-time wins behind the B’s bench with 245 in his career.

What else can you say about Zdeno Chara? He has averaged playing 80 games a year while logging serious ice time. In seven years with the B’s, Chara has netted 84 goals and 210 assists while sporting a +113 for the team he once had a -21 in his first season with the club. He is the definition of a leader while being one of the best defenseman in the NHL year after year. He was nominated for the Norris Trophy five times in his career and that number may be on the rise before his career is over.

David Krejci ended his 400th career game in a B’s sweater in fashion roofing a game-winning shoot-out goal lifting the B’s to their 17th win of the year. Krejci is off to a fast start in 2013 with six goals and 14 assists. He is tied for second on the team in points with Brad Marchand (20). Krejci has come on lately recording at least one assist in three of his last four games. A few crazy B’s fans want Krejci out for the lack of consistency, but if you actually look at his stats over the years for the Black and Gold, he has been pretty consistent while healthy.

Lastly, Head coach Claude Julien tied Milt Schmidt for all-time wins for Bruins coaches on Monday night recording his 245th with the club only trailing Art Ross. We all know Julien is not fond of talking about individual accomplishments, but he is in some elite company to say the least. Before it is all said and done, Julien will be the all-time leader in wins in Bruins history behind the bench.

Look for Julien to pass Milt Schmidt by the end of the week. It could happen tonight versus the lethal Pittsburgh Penguins or Thursday night against the Florida Panthers. Win No. 246 is coming and Julien will be asked all the questions that he doesn’t like to answer.