This was a tough game if you are a Bruins fan. After jumping out to a quick 2-0 lead, the B's let the Canadiens back into the match, scoring once near the end of the first- and once in the second periods. Added to that, the Habs dominated the play for long stretches (including most of the second period), making for some very scary moments for the Black, White and Gold faithful.By the way, I'm watching Don Cherry right now saying everything I'm saying. I don't know if that's a good thing or not...
Ultimately, the difference maker in tonight's game came when the Bruins finally executed a powerplay like they are able to, controlling the puck in the Habs' zone for a full minute, and slowly building up the momentum they'd lost through the middle period. Savard faked a shot at the side of the net before feeding it to the point, and Zdeno Chara's point shot found the back of the net cleanly. Some tense moments, an empty-net goal, and that's Game One.
This was, I'm sad to say, the Canadiens' game to lose. They outplayed the B's for a long stretch, and the Bruins looked pretty tight. The positive for the B's is that they did win it, and for portions of the game controlled the play, and continued hitting the Habs' defenders on every chip in. These three points will ultimately help the Bruins through the rest of the series.
During a little post-game interview with Chara, it was great to hear cheering coming from the Bruins' room down the hall. It will feel very good to wear the Bruins cap around town tomorrow.
Game Two is set for Saturday!
