The Bruins were again able to gain a two-goal lead on their conference rivals, le Canadiens, in last night's match, and never really looked back from there.The difference between Game One and Game Two, however, seemed to be the powerplay. Boston went 3 for 5 with the man advantage, with Shane Hnidy (the Sheriff!) getting the third goal. Hnidy has been a healthy scratch in favour of youngster Matt Hunwick, but Hunwick did an unexpected Peter Forsberg impersonation and had to have an emergency splenectomy to have his spleen removed. Ouch.
Hnidy, for his part, showed that in hockey terms "veteran" still has some positive associations. He was a physical force and essentially played a simple, stable game, allowing players like Chara and Wideman the freedom to play their more roving styles.
Of special note in last night's game, in my books at least, was Patrice Bergeron, who absolutely leveled Kovalev at mid-ice in the first period (thus establishing a tone that the team carried through the match) and, unexpectedly, dropping the mitts with Josh Gorges for his first NHL fight. Bergie held his own against Gorges and landed a strong series of lefts to the face of the Canadiens' defender.
Marc Savard had four points in the game, but will unfortunately be a bigger target in Game Three as the Bruins will be without Milan Lucic, who seems to garner an awful lot of attention from the Habs.
Looch was tossed out after he cross-checked Lapierre in the face in the final five minutes of the game, which leads to an automatic disciplinary meeting and probable suspension.
Lapierre, for his part, looked great with a piece of lumber shoved in his face. It stopped him from running anyone into the glass from behind for at least a single shift. Small blessings.
The B's and Habs renew acquaintances on Monday night here in Montreal. Should be an incredible atmosphere in the city!
2 comments:
I usually don't watch Canadiens games, but I happened to catch this one. I don't know if the Habs played poorly or if the B's were just too strong, but it clearly looked like a one sided affair to me. I think that the Bruins will have a couple of days off before going into the next round.
Loved your bit on Maxim Lapierre. I didn't actually see the end of the game so I missed Lucic's strike. According to some French media, he should be hanged by the balls, or at least suspended.
I hope the Bruins go all the way, 'cause we'll have a lot to read from you :)
heh heh. thanks! you could be one of the few people in town who are hoping i get to continue writing about the B's until the deep summer.
lucic ended up with a single game, which is appropriate, because despite how he's being painted by media-types, he actually has never had any disciplinary conflicts with the league, and generally stays within the rules.
on the other side, it was certainly a dangerous play, so i am fine with the suspension.
it will be interesting to see how the city responds after tonight's game, hey?
thanks for the comment!
Post a Comment