May 1, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins center Tyler Seguin (19) is defended by Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Mark Fraser (45) during the second period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
The Bruins played one of their best games all season in Game 1 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, but the question that remains is: can they do it again?
Boston was clicking on all cylinders on Wednesday night. They were creating numerous scoring chances, making defensive plays and at times it seemed they were skating circles around this young, inexperienced Maple Leafs team. It was fun to watch. But there have been countless times this season where the Bruins have followed up an excellent game, with an awful game. Hopefully, Game 2 will be a different story.
The B’s will be without defenseman Andrew Ference for Game 2 due to a one-game suspension handed to him for his hit on Mikhail Grabovski. In Ference’s absence, it is likely that we will see 19-year old, Dougie Hamilton (who was born in Toronto) make his playoff debut. Hamilton hasn’t played since March 23 (he has been a healthy scratch).
Also a healthy scratch for Game 1 was forward Rich Peverley. He was back at practice on Friday skating with Chris Kelly and Jaromir Jagr, hinting that he will be a go for Game 2 on Saturday night.
All Boston has to do is exactly what they did on Wednesday night, although, that is easier said than done. Milan Lucic showed up to play after seemingly gone missing the whole season. When Lucic creates chances, throws his body around and brings energy, it seems the Bruins always feed off of it and Boston needs that from him to make a deep playoff run. And when the “Merlot Line” is your best line all night, good things are bound to happen.
I am anxious to see how the Bruins come out after such a great performance. If they bring the same energy they played with Wednesday night they will have no problem with the Maple Leafs on Saturday night.
Game time is set for 7:00 p.m. at TD Garden in Boston.