The Boston Bruins grabbed a 2-1 series lead in their quarterfinal series against the Toronto Maple Leafs by winning 5-2 in Air Canada Centre’s first postseason hockey game since 2004. They now look to do two things in game four of the series: take a win so they can have a commanding three-game series lead and, of course, try to overcome some of the issues they continue to have at times.
Head coach Claude Julien was aware of this when he spoke after today’s practice. He knew that mistakes had led to the Bruins’ game two loss, that mistakes from Toronto were things the Bruins took advantage of in game three. But at the same time, he noted that at least their series has been clean. It’s been physical, but overall pretty clean–the same can’t really be said of, you know, that other team from the province of Ontario and the series they are undertaking now.
Also, it would be nice if Jaromir Jagr could finally kick the flu he’s still fighting. That influenza is hanging on harder than a mountain climber. Consider, though, that the way he played last night was still pretty darn good–the way he protected the puck, especially to feed Rich Peverley for his goal, was especially great, and three consecutive reporters asked Julien about him postgame–it’s clear the flu doesn’t seem to affect him like it would for normal people.
Anyway! After putting up that 5-2 win, today’s practice was optional and quite a few guys took the option. The entire second line was off, as was Tuukka Rask, resting after making 46 saves. Game three’s MVP, Milan Lucic, was actually the only member of the top line to go out there at all.
The good news heading forward is that there will not be any more times in this series when there are two days between games. Game five is on May 10. However, should this series go to six or seven, those two games will be back to back. That could create some trouble in and of itself.
See what the Bruins can do in game four tomorrow night.
Previous chapters of Bruins Quarterfinal Notes:
