bruins win 4 - 0 - bring the series to three games to two

The Bruins endured about five minutes of the Hurricanes' assault before simply taking over tonight's game. Phil Kessel had two goals and Zdeno Chara had two assists in what could be his best game of the playoffs.

I'm not sophisticated enough to know what changes Claude Julien brought in for Game Five, but I do know that the Bruins came out flying, winning the physical battles with the Hurricane forwards, and bringing back the all-attack-defense that made the Bruins successful all season.

Tonight's game was the first time the Bruins have played the Hurricanes at their full potential, and the difference between Game Five and Game Four was remarkable. The Bruins kept the 'Canes pinned in their zone for long stretches and hit everything that moved, frustrated the speed of the Hurricane forwards, and rushed the Carolina defenders into making mistakes with the puck.

The Bruins also activated their defenders, who were pinching on the side walls for loose pucks whenever they had a chance, or to maintain constant body-contact on the 'Canes players, which began to wear them down as the game progressed. By the end of the game, Eric Staal was a step slower than he has been all series, in large part due to the constant wear and tear. On top of all this, Tim Thomas, who was great when he needed to be, recorded his first career playoff shut out.

With any luck, the Bruins will bring this same intensity to Game Six, and will continue to play with the angry edge that they had tonight. It brings results and forces Carolina into playing Bruin hockey, and gives the B's a distinct edge.