Bruins vs. Canadiens Game 3 Preview

May 3, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron (37) faces off against Montreal Canadiens center David Desharnais (51) during the third period in game two of the second round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Spor

Bruins-Habs Outlook

When the clock hits 7:00 p.m. tonight, the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens will continue to fight for a lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals series. Game 3 is set to take place at the rowdy Bell Centre in Montreal. The Bruins, namely goaltender Tuukka Rask, looks forward to the energy pumping through building of 20,000 plus Habs fans.

“It can be [tough], but it’s a great place to play because the fans are so loud and the atmosphere is great. I like it there because you can feed off that energy of the crowd,” Rask said.

He recognizes the challenge that comes with the away stadium in Montreal.

“Then again, if you dig yourself a hole in the first period, then it becomes tough.”

The Bruins and Canadiens are storied hockey rivals, dating the Habs’ ruling of the roost in the 1950’s. There is definitely no love lost between these teams, and regardless of either’s standing in the league, a great series always awaits fans when these two clash.

In this year’s postseason round, that storyline has begun to unfold, as the Bruins fell to Montreal 4-3 in Game 1 at the TD Garden, and took Game 2 in a 5-3 victory.

The Bruins offense broke out in the third period of Game 2, netting four third-period goals after being down by two scores. The Habs were stunned.

In Game 1, the third period saw the B’s claw back into the match, burying three goals to tie the contest, 3-3. P.K. Subban provided the finishing touch to capture victory for the Canadiens in a thrilling OT match.

Opportune goaltending is key. Tough-witted, sacrificial defense is important. This is the Stanley Cup playoffs, featuring two teams, two different schemes, and a massive desire to get after it.

Gear up because it’s going to be a good one just north of the border.

Per Mike Cole of NESN.com, the following are the projected forward lineups for your Boston Bruins.

Milan Lucic — David Krejci — Jarome Iginla
Brad Marchand — Patrice Bergeron — Reilly Smith
Daniel Paille — Carl Soderberg — Loui Eriksson
Jordan Caron — Gregory Campbell — Loui Eriksson