Bruins Defeat Lightning in Game 1 of 2nd Round

The Boston Bruins defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 1 of the second round in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Both teams along with the Philadelphia Flyers are the three remaining round-robin teams in the second round. The third-seeded Washington Capitals were eliminated by the six seeded New York Islanders in five games during the first round.

Here is the recap of Game 1 between the Bruins and Lightning.

Scratches

Boston: John Moore, Jack Studnicka, Urho Vaakanainen, Maxime Lagace, Zach Senyshyn, Jakub Zboril, Trent Frederic, Par Lindholm, Jeremy Lauzon, Karson Kuhlman, Tuukka Rask

Tampa Bay: Scott Wedgewood, Braydon Coburn, Luke Schenn, Jan Rutta, Alexander Volkov, Mitchell Stephens, Mathieu Joseph, Steven Stamkos

1st Period

Both teams came out strong as expected knowing that they’re two of the Eastern Conference’s powerhouse teams. Each team had generated lots of shots on goal just before the midway point of the game but it would be the Bruins who outshot the Lightning 15-10 during the period. The Bruins also struck first and scored the series’ first goal from forward Charlie Coyle. They’re heavy defense also allowed them to put pressure on the Lightning throughout the period.

Boston went into the second period with a 1-0 lead.

2nd Period

The Bruins would carry their momentum from Coyle’s goal into this period as they scored an early goal. Bruins forward David Pastrnak scored on a power play 4:34 into the period. But, the Lightning would pick up the momentum and outshot the Bruins 18-7. However, they wouldn’t be able to score to tie the game.

Boston went into the third period with a 2-0 lead.

3rd Period

The Bruins scored yet another early goal this time from forward Brad Marchand. Marchand scored 1:17 into the period to extend his team’s lead to three. However, the Lightning made this period feel close as they were able to generate scoring chances in the Bruins’ zone. And, they finally get a goal in this series. Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman scored twice and would be the only two Lightning goals this game.

Boston won the game 3-2 and took the series lead 1-0.

Three Stars of the Game

Third Star: Brad Marchand (1 goal, 1 assist)

Second Star: Victor Hedman (2 goals)

First Star: David Pastrnak (1 goal, 1 assist)

This was an interesting start to this series knowing that these teams are two of the Eastern Conference’s powerhouse teams. The defense was present in this game from both sides but it just happened in two different periods. Boston during the first period and Tampa during the second. However, Boston would get the upper hand at the end and forced Tampa to turn the puck over nine times. Though, Boston gave up the puck 10 times during the game.

For Boston, it’s a matter of keeping their defensive presence known throughout this series but to avoid getting penalties as much as possible. Their offense also served them well this game with good puck movement especially with Pastrnak back in the lineup. Goaltender Jaroslav Halak also had a good performance saving 35 of 37 shots. If he’s able to stay consistent as he has of late, then Boston could potentially be that much closer to being back in the finals.

On the other hand, Tampa may have outshot Boston 37-31 but they have to make their defensive presence known like Boston has during this game. They’re more of an offensive team but defense could also help them win games as well. With captain Steven Stamkos out the lineup, other guys have to step up and that starts with the leadership core in Hedman and forward Nikita Kucherov. This team knows how to win games. It’s just a matter of playing a complete 60 minute game Tampa Bay style.

Game 2 of the Bruins-Lightning series is on Aug. 25 at 7:00 p.m. EST.