The depth of a team is often the difference between victory and defeat. Especially in the playoffs. The first game of the Bruins-Blues final is another example.
In the first moments of the third, Sean Kuraly gave the Bruins the lead for the first time in the game. They have not looked back. A four-goal unanswered push from their side allowed them to win
4-2 on Monday night at TD Garden Boston.
But that winning goal was just the icing on the cake of a great night of work for the Bruins’ fourth line. Beginning in the second half, Bruce Cassidy opted to oppose this unit to Brayden Schenn.
Until then, the most productive trio of the Blues had put the trio of Patrice Bergeron in his back pocket. It’s been a long time since the Perfection Line had earned so little of its nickname.
Bergeron, Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak were on the ice for both goals of the visitors: Schenn and Vladimir Tarasenko. On the Russian striker’s, Pastrnak had foolishly handed the puck to Schenn behind Tuukka Rask’s net.
A true open book, the Bruins coach explained in the morning that he would not hesitate to change his strategy if things went wrong.
“Bergeron’s trio will play against Schenn’s. If we ever change our plans, I know that (Sean) Kuraly and (Charlie) Coyle will be able to handle the situation. So we are comfortable (with several options), “said Cassidy a few hours before the first clash.
That makes a difference with all those coaches who refuse even to reveal their formation for fear that the opponent will take advantage of it.
The work of the Kuraly and Charlie Coyle trios has been so effective at bottling the Blues that they only shot two shots on goal (as opposed to 18) in the last 19 minutes of the second period.
Blame the Blues
The Blues will have to wait a bit longer before they can enjoy the first win in their Stanley Cup final. In their previous three presences in the final round, in 1968, 1969 and 1970, they had been swept away.
“We have to play better with the lead. The three or four presences that follow one of our goals must be strong, said David Perron. We thought we were going out even stronger in the second period. We missed a bit of calm. They were allowed to enter the territory much too quickly. On our side, we did not have time to attack. “
Craig Berube’s troopers can certainly take some of the blame for this setback. First because the Bruins, on leave for 10 days, have put a full period to start.
In addition, their many visits to the penalty box literally broke the momentum they had built. From half of the first period to mid-game, the Blues have
four consecutive punishments.
Considering the effectiveness of the Bruins’ massive attack (34%) since the start of the playoffs, there was no worse way to play with fire. Joel Edmundson, whose match was atrocious, was precisely in the cell when Charlie McAvoy scored the equalizer.
The wind had already begun to turn. He only blows harder.
Back in the game after missing the fourth game against the Hurricanes, Zdeno Chara had to retire to the locker room before the end of the game. In the third period, he blocked a shot by Vladimir Tarasenko. His left forearm looked bad.
Tonight's @NHLBruins flag bearer? @Ferknuckle. 🙌 #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/easonZcWys
— NHL (@NHL) May 28, 2019
