Apr 20, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Brad Marchand (63) is defended by Detroit Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall (55) during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Bruins Execute Strong Performance in Game 2
So much for the idea of losing two straight games to the Detroit Red Wings. Following goals from Justin Florek, Reilly Smith, Milan Lucic, and Zdeno Chara, the Boston Bruins trumped Detroit in Game 2 yesterday, 4-1, before a jam-packed crowd at the TD Garden.
The Bruins looked sluggish in Game 1 on Friday and were hoping to considerably improve their efforts in Game 2.
“I think last game, we mentioned that they were winning more races, their will to get to the puck first and hang on to it was better than ours,” coach Claude Julien said.
“But tonight, we were a little bit better in all areas, from our breakouts with their pressure to the neutral zone, where we were able to get through that with a little bit more speed today than we did the last game.”
The power play helped spur the Bruins to four total goals after going scoreless in Game 1. On the man advantage, Chara netted his snap shot, and Smith buried a loose puck to put the B’s ahead, 2-0. Boston tallied a magnificent 50 percent conversion rate on the PP, beating Jimmy Howard two out of four times.
“Our power play has been good — as you know, a lot better this year,” Julien said. “And the big thing was, can they continue to produce for us in the playoffs? And that’s an important part of the game, and I know we won in the past without having a power play — LA did the same thing. ”
The relentless forecheck pushed the Red Wings out of their comfort zone, and the Bruins’ sense of urgency couldn’t be matched. Getting opportune goals from a recently called-up Providence skater (Justin Florek) raises a thought: maybe Julien’s team could survive without a team full of regulars. For a crew as talented as the Bruins, all that’s needed is a burning desire to win.
“It (the sense of urgency) was much better, it was where we needed it to be to get a win,” Lucic said. “And if we want to have some success moving forward that urgency has to remain high.”