Ineffective Power Play Costing Bruins After Two Playoff Games
Frustration is setting in for the Bruins. Aside from game one which the first line had six points, the team is blowing several opportunities Carolina spent most of the game in the Bruins end. Boston’s powerplay has been extremely ineffective, and it is costing the Bruins games.
Boston was also without forward David Pastrnak. Before the game, Bruce Cassidy announced that he was unfit to play. The Bruins continue to get significant effort from the third line. Nick Ritchie, Anders Bjork, and Charlie Coyle have been supplying a lot of energy.
Carolina head coach Rod Brind amour continues to keep the Bruins guessing. In game one, he started Petr Mrazek in the net. In game two, Carolina started James Reimer. Reimer made several stops to stymie the Bruins.
Rask Makes Controversial Comments
Following game one Tuukka Rask made controversial comments regarding playing. The Boston media took it literally and made an issue of his statements. Considering his 28 saves on 40 shots fans were not happy. Many people feel that Rask is not engaged in playing.
Aside from his controversial comments, Rask has a .899 save percentage in two games. Head coach Bruce Cassidy is no stranger to shaking things up. Backup goaltender The only problem is backup Jaroslav Halak does not have Rask postseason success nor experience.
Bruins Need To Keep The Power Play Going
After going 0-13 in the round-robin the Bruins woke up in game two. David Krejci and Brad Marchand supplied the offence. Carolina outshot the Bruins and had enough to win game two.
Any aspirations of getting to the finals depend on goaltending and an effective power play. Forward Jake Debrusk needs to find the net.
Look for some changes in game two. Top prospect Jack Studnicka is a possibility to replace Nick Ritchie. Ritchie’s minutes and productivity have decreased.
Conclusion
A healthy David Pastrnak is a must. Pastrnak had two points in game one. I still look for the Bruins to win in six games. A lot depends on Tuukka Rask mental approach to each game.
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Photo Credit: Dinur Blum(@rabbi_d) via Flickr
