Series: Tied 1-1
Location: Nationwide Arena (Columbus, Ohio)
Time: 7 p.m. ET; (NBCSN, CBC, SN, TVAS)
In Game 1, the Bruins won 3-2 in overtime with center Charlie Coyle scoring the game-winner. So far, the highlight of the series was Matt Duchene’s power-play goal in double overtime in Game 2. This can be a momentum boost for the Blue Jackets as they head home for Game 3. Here will be an overview for both teams leading for tonight’s Game 3 matchup.
The folks @NationwideArena have freshened things up for round 2. @BlueJacketsNHL v. @NHLBruins here tomorrow night. pic.twitter.com/Am7a9xzd5k
— Dave Maetzold (@DMaetzMedia) April 29, 2019
For the first time in franchise history, the Columbus Blue Jackets will play at home for the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. So far, they are even 1-1 against a tough Boston Bruins team. Blue Jackets fans never been more excited about this year’s playoff run.
The Blue Jackets are 2-0 at home in this Stanley Cup Playoffs thanks to sweeping Presidents’ Trophy Winners, the Tampa Bay Lightning. Columbus looks smart by keeping Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky in this year’s trade deadline. So far Panarin has nine points (four goals, five assists) in all six playoff games. In Game 2, Columbus scored two power-play goals. Their power-play has been hot being 38.9% for the playoffs.
The Russian goaltender impressed so far these playoffs. He is 5-1 with 2.01 goals-against average and.930 save percentage. It should fire the Blue Jackets up for a historic night for the franchise. Staying disciplined, strong offense and a good Bobrovsky performance can help them lead the series 2-1 after tonight.
Reason why the regular season is part meaningless # 216: The Blue Jackets had a terrible PP (second image). But in the #StanleyCup playoffs they have the best PP, scoring at a 14.23 goals/60 compared to 5.43/60 in reg season.@AlisonL @MurphysLaw74 pic.twitter.com/xFCnES8ABv
— Jason Paul (@WaveIntel) April 30, 2019
The Boston Bruins will have their hands full tonight to a sold-out crowd in Nationwide Arena. The Bruins hope to have All-Star David Pastrnak to get back to his scoring ways. The Bruins need to stay more discipline by avoiding penalties against the top power-play team in the playoffs. In the power-play, the Bruins are 0-for-8 and totaled three shots from the Bruins top-line with Pastrnak, Patrice Bergeron, and Brad Marchand. Defenseman Matt Grzelcyk power-play goal in Game 1 is the only one they had all series. Top players like Marchand, Pastrnak and Bergeron need to step up. They could move Pastrnak down to the third-line with Charlie Coyle and Marcus Johansson according to multiple reports.
Expect head coach Bruce Cassidy to shake up the lines tonight. Goaltender Tuukka Rask will unsurprisingly start tonight. The goaltender has been keeping the Bruins close every game. If Boston has to get through the first period with a lead or draw to quiet down the fans at Columbus, then they will be a successful team tonight.
#NHLBruins coach Bruce Cassidy meets with the media ahead of tonight’s Game 3 against the Columbus Blue Jackets: pic.twitter.com/GPt4GMXc8u
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) April 30, 2019
Prediction:
This will be a historic night for Columbus. Expect a lot of offense and hitting for this game. If the Bruins can maintain composure and create chance they will win. But the Blue Jackets are the hottest team in the playoffs. They will do anything to win their first ever home game in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Blue Jackets 5-2
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