SCF: Bruins Take 2-1 Series Lead, Shutout Hawks 2-0

After we seen the first two games, I’m sure we all assumed this game was naturally going to go into overtime. But that was not the case tonight as the Bruins came out and played a great defensive game and limited the Hawks chances as best as possible, while Tuukka Rask handled the rest.

Jun 17, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins goalie

(40) makes a save against Chicago Blackhawks center

(19) during the third period in game three of the 2013 Stanley Cup Final at TD Garden. The Bruins won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Michael Ivins-USA TODAY Sports

This game started off a little bizarre, both teams had a hard time with the pre-game warm ups. Marian Hossa was pulled out of the game in a last second move due to injury and as the warm up was about ready to wrap up Zdeno Chara and Milan Lucic collided, which resulted in The big Bruins captain needing stitches in the back of his head.

After coming out a little flat in game two, the Boston Bruins came out firing. Corey Crawford was the reason the Bruins could not come out with the early lead. It looked as though the Bruins might dominate the first period but by the periods end, both clubs were fairly even as the Bruins finished up the opening frame with only a one shot lead. No score in the first.

The second period is the period that saw the goal scoring as playoff specialist Daniel Paille opened the scoring early in the middle period. Paille’s goal would be the eventual game winning goal as he keeps up with his scoring ways in this years playoffs. The second and final goal can from Patrice Bergeron, who is also putting together a very nice post season, on a nice pass from the ageless Jaromir Jagr.

The third period did not see any scoring, as the Boston Bruins continue to showcase their amazing defensive play combined with great goaltending from Tuukka Rask. The Bruins defensive play has given the Blackhawks fits as it has limited their scoring chances to a minimum and whatever chances they did have Rask was there to make the saves. The Western Conference champs are also not producing on the man advantage, which is hurting their chances at winning a game. They were 0-5 tonight and 0-10 in the combined three games played. In order to win the next game the Hawks will either have to solver their power play woes or find a way to get better looks at Rask, as they won’t want to head back home down 3-1 to the Bruins. I think it is a big understatement to say the next game will be huge for both teams, as one team  is looking to try and get back into the series and the other is looking to try and put it out of reach.