Boston Bruins: Sean Kuraly and Marcus Johansson shine through
The Boston Bruins haven’t had to rely solely on their big guns in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final against the St. Louis Blues. Instead, it was the likes of Sean Kuraly and Marcus Johansson on their third and fourth line, that did the heavy lifting.
For the Boston Bruins to know that they can rely on guys like Noel Acciari, Sean Kuraly, Connor Clifton and Marcus Johansson, it is huge. These secondary guys could well prove the difference maker between winning a Stanley Cup and not.
You only have to look at where the St. Louis Blues’ scoring came from in Game 1; Vladimir Tarasenko and Brayden Schenn; both top line guys for them – the primary scoring guys that you expect points from.
Related Story. Blues draw first blood in Game 1. light
If the Boston Bruins can nullify the threat from them, which now they seem to have found their game, they could very well; it’s suddenly a very different series. The Blues’ flame can easily be snuffed out by limiting them.
It’s not quite so easy in reverse as Marcus Johansson, alongside fellow deadline day signing Charlie Coyle on the third line, proved key pieces in ensuring the Boston Bruins not only got back into the game, but came out on top.
Marcus Johansson may not have had many shots on net, but he was buzzing all over the ice, showing a complete commitment to the Boston Bruins’ cause. He looked great in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference final and carried the momentum, through 11 days of rest, into this first game of the Stanley Cup Final.
Likewise, Sean Kuraly on the fourth line set out to prove, once more, that he is probably the most underrated and valuable fourth line center in the league. Not only has he proven incredibly reliable all post-season in the face-off circle, but he can be relied upon to start the game and in this one, notch two points. From the fourth line!
Not only that, the goal in the third period proved to be the game winner, ensuring the Boston Bruins take the early series lead.
The Boston Bruins may have gotten started slowly, but that was always expected. However, once they found their game, they have put their foot down on the pedal and not let up.
It’s easy to single out Marcus Johansson and Sean Kuraly in this game because they’re not the guys you’d normally expect to be getting it done. Tonight, it was them pushing the Boston Bruins forward. They were the ones that unlocked the St. Louis Blues when Boston could’ve just as easily laid down and given up after dropping 2 goals in the first 22 minutes.
Next. The last Stanley Cup Final these two met in. dark
Success is surely on the cards if the contributions continue to come from the depth players. That, after all, marks out a team built for championships.
One down. Three to go.