Apr 20, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara (33) reacts after scoring a goal on Detroit Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard (35) 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
In game 1 it was a magical play by Pavel Datsyuk that was the difference in a hard fought game. The Boston Bruins weren’t about to let it happen again as they were more assertive in game 2 en route to a 4-1 win to even their first round playoff series at 1 game apiece.
Justin Florek and Reilly Smith each scored their first career playoff goals in the first period, and that was all Tuukka Rask needed as he was his solid self, only this time getting goal support.
After Luke Glendening replied in the second with his first NHL playoff goal to get the Red Wings within 1 past the midway point of the second, Milan Lucic restored the 2 goal cushion before the period was out.
Zdeno Chara‘s power play goal early in the third finished the scoring as the Bruins physicality took away the Red Wings’ speed.
The game took a physical tone late in the first period as the teams got frustrated with each other and tempers started to flare. However given the tones of some other series so far in the opening round, it was relatively tame by comparison.
Rask made 34 stops for the win, as the Bruins secured a split at home, and avoided heading to Detroit down 2-0. Jarome Iginla and Torey Krug each had two assists for the Bruins, who put 4 past Jimmy Howard on 29 shots.
Game 3 goes Tuesday in Detroit.