Although Boston was leading 2-1 near the end of the second period, the game was still very much in reach for the home side. Shot disprepancy aside, the Oilers continued to press in search for the equalizer; but a demoralizing goal by the Bruins late in the frame ultimately sealed victory for the visitors. At the 19:08 point of the second, Michael Ryder collected a loose puck at the side of the net before roofing a shot over a sprawling and outstretched Devan Dubnyk to put his club ahead 3-1. The Oilers would add a goal in the third to bring things closer, but the two-goal deficit was too steep in the end.

Gilbert Brule made his triumphant return to the lineup tonight after missing nearly two months of action. In doing so, he notched his seventh goal of the season in the third period with a play that he has used successfully many times before. After speeding down his off-wing, Brule stopped up, curling to inside to tee up a long-range slapper. The sudden change in direction and speed, combined with the bullet released from his stick, proved too much for Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask to handle. The shot deflected off the far post and in to bring the Oilers within one, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion.

After enduring a tough night between the pipes Friday against St. Louis, Devan Dubnyk was looking for redemption this evening. At times, the rookie netminder fought the puck, but was quick to rebound and make the save when called upon. Boston would add three goals en route to victory, but Dubnyk's 37-save performance provided his team with the opportunity to engineer a comeback. Unfortunately the Oilers were unable to do so, but Dubnyk's strong play was certainly the rebound effort he was after.

It was clear from the drop of the puck that gritty forward Gilbert Brule was looking to make an impact in his first game back. Although his goal was certainly a positive to take from the night, his play away from the puck was what made his evening so special. The expected physical force was rampant, with Brule registering four hits on the night in only 11:11 of ice-time. In addition, he was able to record a 5-5, 50-percent outing in the faceoff dot on a night where the Oilers could only muster a 42-percent efficiency rate. Overall, a terrific return for number 67.

Although there were three to choose from, the early third period tussle between Jim Vandermeer and Milan Lucic was the main event of the night. After dropping the gloves, the bout was slow to begin. Both Lucic and Vandermeer were cautious, but that was a short-lived phenomenon. Vandermeer began chucking bombs and the Bruins forward had no reply for the onslaught. Once the linesmen stepped in, Vandermeer was the victor and the fans at Rexall Place rose to their feet, screaming in a deafening roar.

The Boston Bruins, who rarely visit western Canada (last visit to Rexall Place came on Oct. 27. 2008), have the largest contingent of Canadian players making up their forward group. Of the 15 forwards currently on the roster, all but one are Canadian. The only player not originally from Canada is David Krejci, who was born in Sternberk, Czech Republic.

"We were right there the whole game, I thought. They're a good team. We certainly did a lot of things to keep us in the game. They don't take penalties, so it's tough to get back in the game that way, but I thought we battled pretty hard."

-  Taylor Hall on the loss to Boston

After suffering two conscutive losses to open up the team's four-game homestand, the Oilers will look for redemption when the Nashville Preators visit Rexall Place this Tuesday. Game-time is 7:30pm MST and can be seen on Rogers Sportsnet West.