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Boston Bruins: Sean Kuraly – Playoff Hero

By Brandon Share-Cohen

Oct 6, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Boston Bruins center Sean Kuraly (52) against the Columbus Blue Jackets during a preseason hockey game at Nationwide Arena. The Bruins won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 6, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Boston Bruins center Sean Kuraly (52) against the Columbus Blue Jackets during a preseason hockey game at Nationwide Arena. The Bruins won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sean Kuraly Was the Playoff Hero for the Boston Bruins in Game Five Against the Ottawa Senators

If anybody said that they saw Sean Kuraly scoring the game-winning goal in a double-overtime elimination game at the start of the season, they’re either liars or need to play the lottery every week. Kuraly, of course, was added to the lineup in place of Ryan Spooner ahead of game five Friday night between the Boston Bruins and Ottawa Senators. In just his 11th NHL game – third in the postseason, Kuraly scored two goals to lead the Bruins to victory.

It was a good night for the 24-year-old who scored his first goal earlier in the night. For Kuraly, however, the win was superior to scoring his first goal and first game-winning goal in the NHL.

“It was just awesome to get that,” Kuraly said after the game. “I mean really, I wasn’t even thinking about scoring a goal, I was just trying to play. A lot of good plays by my teammates out there. Wow, it just feels good to get the win.”

Controversy Once Again

Still, the game wasn’t without controversy. Earlier in the game during the first overtime frame, Kuraly almost led the Bruins to a goal that was tipped in by Noel Acciaro. The potential game-winner was eventually called back for goaltender interference, though the call was questionable at best. When asked about the call following the game, Kuraly simply took the high road.

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“Coach just told us to stick with it and keep going,” Kuraly said. “Sometimes you get the bounces and sometimes you don’t – it’s hockey. Today I got a couple bounces and when you don’t get them, you’ve just got to realize you’re close. It was nice to get them tonight.”

Full Team Effort

The Bruins should have won the game in the first overtime, but for Kuraly, the game was his to win. Tuukka Rask stood on his head as well with a phenomenal 41 saves on 43 shots (.953 save percentage).

“It’s what you work for and to be here at this time of year is just a great opportunity,” said Kuraly. “I was just trying to play the best I could and you know, (Backes) was in my ear all night keeping me positive and telling me where to be and what plays to make. Good guys like that help out.”

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The Bruins return home to Boston on Sunday at 3:00 pm EST to try and stave off elimination one more time. The team will be hoping to get some good news on the injury front after losing David Krejci during the game. Whether Krejci is back or the Bruins receive a boost from any of their injured defenders in Torey Krug, Brandon Carlo or Adam McQuaid, the team will take any help they can get.

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