The Boston Bruins jumped out to the series lead in game 1. They played great and if they can do these 3 things they will have a 2-0 lead in the series.
Game 1 was an awesome experience for Boston Bruins fans. They completely dominated the Tampa Bay Lightning. After suffering through a 7 game series, the Bruins breezed by the Lightning. It was like they were playing a video game on rookie mode.
If the Bruins can jump out to a 2-0 series lead it will mean a lot. Yes, I know the Bruins had a 2-0 lead on the Toronto Maple Leafs, but the Bruins wouldn’t feel as much pressure. Also, the Lightning are a completely different team. The Bruins match up great against Tampa Bay. Which was pretty evident after game 1. If they can head to Boston with two games in hand it isn’t that far-fetched to think they may be able to sweep the No. 1 team in the Eastern Conference.
This Bruins team seems destined for greatness. They have the skill, they have the hard work, and most importantly they have the heart. The possibilities for this team seem endless. The Bruins will have a strong team for years to come.
Now even though the Bruins defeated the Lightning 6-2, they need to focus on some aspects of their game. It is basically impossible to play a perfect 60 minutes of hockey. So here are the three things the Boston Bruins need to focus on in game 2.
1. Keep your composure
The Boston Bruins committed three penalties on Saturday night. Two of them were due to a lack of composure. Now these calls were terrible. The refs were softer than a feather. If this is how the series is going to be policed the Bruins are going to have to be much smarter.
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Brad Marchand did a great job of this. He was causing trouble, and getting in the middle of things, but didn’t cross the line. Marchand lives on causing chaos. It is what gets him going. Marchand has to keep causing trouble, but not cross the line. He crosschecked an opposing player and was lucky to not get penalized.
David Pastrnak was the perpetrator in one of these calls. He crosschecked Tyler Johnson after he was slammed into the boards. It was an uncharacteristic play by the winger. It even negated a goal.
Even though it cost them a goal, I like the fire out of Pastrnak. When he first entered the league he seemed afraid of contact. Now “Pasta” is the one initiating contact.
If the Bruins can maintain their cool they won’t be in the penalty box and may even score a few more goals.
A repeat from Rask
Tuukka Rask had his best performance of the postseason on Saturday. He stopped 34 shots and was impressive between the pipes. The goaltender had a fresh pair of pads and a fresh start.
Rask was in the right position and seemed cool under pressure. He played like Boston Bruins fans expected him to. Also Rask was impressive redirecting errant shots. The puck seemed to be flying off the Amalie Arena boards. A lot of pucks came to Rask from behind the net and he was able to redirect it to the side boards, and to his defenseman.
Rask started off the game with a big save two minutes in. He was in the perfect position and stopped what looked to be a great scoring chance.
Rask will need to stay on his game. The Lightning will be coming out of the gate hot looking to jump ahead. As Rask said himself he needs to weather the storm.
If Rask can have a repeat performance on Monday it will be hard to put the blame on the goaltender. Rask’s job is to give the Bruins a chance to win. If he has another 30+ save game the Bruins most likely will be heading back to Boston with a 2-0 series lead.
Weather the storm
In Tuukka Rask’s postgame interview he mentioned this phrase a lot so I assume it’s the Boston Bruins mantra. The Lightning are going to come out guns blazing, so the Bruins need to stay strong. They need to continue to fight in the dirty areas and play great defense. To only allow 2 goals is an impressive, but necessary feat to defeat the Lightning.
When the Bruins were on the penalty ill they fought hard to get the puck out of the zone. The perfect example of this was Jake DeBrusk. DeBrusk was laid out while in front of the Bruins net on a questionable hit by Alex Killorn. DeBrusk was clearly dazed and confused, but stayed out on the ice. He went on to block a shot and clear the puck by making a dive for the blueline. It was dare I say Gregory Campbell-esque.
Next: Boston Bruins: B’s jump out to electric start in game 1
The Bruins will look to jump out to a 2-0 series lead. After stressing over a 7 game series it would be nice to be sitting in the driver’s seat. On Monday night all of Boston’s eyes will be on the Bruins. Hopefully they can get the win and have an opportunity to close out the series at home.