Game 2 Recap

The Bruins earned a split and I couldn’t ask for anything more! I know that the Bruins could have easily had the puck bounce their way and they could’ve stole both games in Chicago, but I will gladly take the split. The biggest takeaway I have from both games in Chicago is that the Boston Bruins physicality is starting to affect the Chicago Blackhawks as this gif demonstrates. Milan Lucic has been a runaway freight train this series and it makes you wonder why we don’t see glimpses of this throughout the season. He is becoming a feared player for the Blackhawks defensemen and as the series shifts to Boston it is only going to intensify.

Thank God the Bruins had a ‘chat’ as Coach Claude Julien called it after the terrible and downright atrocious first period of play. Finally, the third line paid dividends for the Bruins and the Seguin, Kelly, Paille, combination that scored both goals for Boston. Those players looked comfortable as they are all high flyers and play at the similar tempos.  Apparently, all BruinsBeliever has to do is call out players after loses and they respond with Kelly and Seguin playing their best games and Krug was solid as well. I’d like to think that they must be loyal readers.

Game 3 Preview

The Blackhawks have struggled away from the United Center all postseason. Their goals per game are cut by more than half away from home (14 road goals vs. 38 home goals). After witnessing 2011 and how dominant Vancouver was at home, and how terrible they played in Boston, I can say that Boston is absolutely a tough place to play for a visiting team.  Throughout the past few postseasons the Bruins have an outstanding home record. They are already one of the best in the league at getting the match-ups they want on the road, never mind at home where they get the benefit of the last line change. Hopefully, both of those trends continue for tonight’s game and the Bruins take control of this series. As always, follow BruinsBeliever on Twitter for my in-game thoughts. Let’s go Bs!