Bruins: Though No Toes, Fingers Can Still Be Pointed
Photo courtesy of: N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Much like Massachusetts drivers when I-95 switched the numbers on us last year, exits have been hard for the Boston Bruins through six periods of playoff hockey.
It’s really no wonder the Carolina Hurricanes are up 2-0 in this series. Whether it’s a plotted-out counterattack or a desperate chip out of the zone, the B’s just keep loading the Canes up with ammunition.
While the Bruins don’t have any toes left from shooting themselves in the foot so many times, fingers can still be pointed – but, at the end of the day, not a single forward line or defensive pair has been able to find any sort of consistent rhythm.
I’ll hand it to the Bruins, they showed up for about 14 minutes during Game 2 – the opening seven and the closing seven. It only took an extra skater on top of a power play to make the dump-and-chase style the Bruins were forced to adopt to actually generate scoring chances.
I’d hope Cassidy is tearing the boys a new one, and I hope Bergeron can continue to lead by example with two goals (one was a lucky one but still) in Game 2. But let’s face it: he didn’t look himself either, most of the time. Carolina has been able to stop the B’s offense in its tracks. They even put The Erection Line (TM Brews & Bruins, patent pending) back together for a bit.
I can’t pin much of the blame on Linus Ullmark. He’s certainly looked better, but he hasn’t been absolutely dreadful. However, I would like to see Jeremy Swayman for Game 3. I think you need to make that switch.
I’d scratch Derek Forbort if it weren’t for Lindholm going down. Either way, Mike Reilly is in for Game 3, and I’d still be tempted to go with Josh Brown over Forbort too. Worst case, it will give the “hitting + fighting = championship” folks something to cheer about.
Anyway, don’t panic completely. Game 3 is a must win, but this team has shown us all season they can flip the switch when they gain some confidence. Some puck luck and an early goal is all that’s needed to spark a resurgence. From there, it’s a matter of executing.
Getting the puck out of the zone would be a good start.