Every leafs fan in Leafs nation was absolutely excited to watch their team finally start in the NHL Playoffs after a nine year wait. But the game didn’t exactly go as planned. It’s kind of ironic that an ex-senator was the one to haunt the Leafs last night. Wade Redden had the most impact in an NHL game in years! As I mentioned before the Leafs were going to need to find a way to shot more as their shooting percentage was eventually going to dry out and that’s exactly what happened last night as they were once again doubled in shots. James Reimer did what he could but he didn’t get much help from his team. Another ex-senator Zdeno Chara absolutely owned the Phil Kessel line all night long, holding Phil Kessel to just one shot. The leafs will need a much better effort in the coming games if they want a chance in this series.
May 1, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins goalie
Tuukka Rask(40) and Toronto Maple Leafs right wing
Colton Orr(28) focuses on the puck during the third period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
GAME RECAP
The beginning of the game went just like every Leafs fan on the planet had hoped for, a one goal lead early into the game courtesy of James Van Riemsdyk. But after the goal the Bruins collected themselves like they always do and find a way to win and they did just that last night. Wade Redden was the one to open the scoring for the Bruins as he finished the night with 2 points and a plus 1. David Krejci finished the night with the team lead 3 points finishing with a goal and 2 assist as Milan Lucic also contribute 2 assists and Nathan Horton was rewarded with the game winning goal scoring on the power play.
Almost from the drop of the puck the Leafs were outplayed for much of the night. Just like the Isles, the Leafs were shown from their opponent who was the best team and who wanted it more as since the Bruins first goal the Leafs just weren’t really in this game. Just like I said in the beginning if the Leafs want to win any game they will need to stop being out shot so badly. Being out shot 2 to 1 is a bloodbath, there;s no other way of putting it. I don’t care if your the best team in the league most of the time if your being out shot your probably being out played too and your probably not going to have as many scoring chances as the other team.
Momentum is everything in the playoffs and if the Leafs keep putting up performances like this they will lose the momentum they need to gain and get eliminated real fast. I still think this will be a close series but the Leafs will need to get their act together as the Boston Bruins are not the team you want to give the 2-0 series advantage after just two game. For the Leafs sake they better hope to win the next game or will be in tough trying to claw back when they get back home.
SENSHOT 3 STARS
- David Krejci
- Tuukka Rask
- Wade Redden