Boston Bruins confident heading into Game 2 against Montreal Canadiens

Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Bruins will be seeking revenge in form of a victory in Game 2 Saturday afternoon after dropping their series opener to the Montreal Canadiens.  The Canadiens knocked-off the Bruins in stunning fashion, winning in double OT on Thursday. Though the Bruins aren’t panicking. They’re in the exact same position as they were in the first-round against Detroit.

P.K. Subban netted a pair of giant goals in Game 1. One propelled the Canadiens past the Bruins in the second overtime frame. He was physical, gritty and nasty. Out of all the skaters on the ice, Subban put forth the best game.

Unfortunately it wasn’t Subban’s play, nor the intense level of play that made the headlines.

Following the tilt, some Boston fans showed great ignorance in taking to Twitter. Hundreds directed racially insensitve remarks toward Subban. Sure the Canadiens are the Bruins most hated rival and it’s clear Subban is an easy guy to hate, but losing a hockey game in no way warrants such distasteful behavior. The Bruins denounced the actions on Friday prior to shifting attention to Game 2.

Team President Cam Neely immediately addressed the issue saying, “The racist, classless views expressed by an ignorant group of individuals following Thursday’s game via digital media are in no way a reflection of anyone associated with the Bruins organization.”

“I’m not a big fan of Twitter and social media because it is such a dangerous thing and to criticize someone about something that has nothing to do with hockey on an issue like that is very ignorant,” added Milan Lucic.

Boston, being the thick-skinned squad that it is, addressed the issue as it should have and went on to express a sense of confidence as the series moves forward.

In their opening round series against the Red Wings, the Bruins fell in Game 1 at TD Garden, before dominating the four games that followed. The scoring chances were there Thursday night. The Bruins racked up 51 shots, but only buried three of them past Carey Price.

The Bruins top line of Lucic, David Krejci and Jarome Iginla understand that on most nights their chances will turn into goals.

Lucic made it clear that he and his linemates will keep on doing what makes them great, but they must remain patient. “Going into next game, I guess the main focus is you don’t want to grip your stick too tight, and bury those opportunities when you get them,” said Lucic.

Tuukka Rask‘s struggles against the Canadiens are well documented. The series opener was no different for the Vezina Trophy finalist. He voiced a great deal of displeasure with himself following the Game 1 loss. He’ll be motivated to match Price this time around.

Boston dictated the pace of play for the majority of Game 1. If they can keep the Canadiens on their heels and achieve sustained attacking zone time, then pucks will find their way in. Price will be hard pressed to repeat such an utter-worldly performance.