By: Liz Rizzo | Follow me on Twitter @pastagrl88
The Boston Bruins lead the series against the Florida Panthers as the team wins 4-2 tonight in the FLA Live Arena. Boston’s gameplay returned to form and despite an anxiety-inducing last few moments of the final period, the Bruins had a strong game compared to Wednesday’s match-up.
Captain Patrice Bergeron did not join the team tonight while David Krejci sat out due to an upper-body injury. Matt Grzelcyk reunited with Charlie McAvoy as he subbed in for Connor Clifton. Jakub Lauko made his Playoff debut while Charlie Coyle centered with Trent Frederic and Brad Marchand on the first line.
GAME RECAP
Taylor Hall gave the Bruins an early 1-0 lead in the first period, wristing the puck that went off Alex Lyon’s glove. Boston would be shorthanded early on with Tyler Bertuzzi sitting out on a slashing penalty against Sam Bennett, giving the Panthers the first powerplay of the night.
Looking to potentially tie the game, Florida had no issue putting dangerous pressure on the Bruins’ net. Boston goaltender Linus Ullmark was forced to make critical saves throughout the first period, limiting the Panthers’ scoring chances.
The Bruins continued to put pressure on Florida while executing cleaner exits out of their own zone. Puck control was more diligent and with fewer turnovers, Boston kept their focus on creating scoring opportunities.
Boston had one final powerplay chance during the first as Sam Bennett skated off on an interference penalty against Charlie Coyle. Despite a barrage of pucks on Florida’s net, the B’s were unable to score during the man advantage.
Charlie Coyle made it 2-0 tipping the puck in after a shot from Brad Marchand in the second period. A potential two-on-one goal involving both Taylor Hall and David Pastrnak was thwarted by Lyon.
Boston would get back on the power play when Gustav Forsling skated off on a tripping penalty against Tyler Bertuzzi. There were many scoring chances however Boston was unable to take advantage. The Bruins were once again short-handed due to a holding penalty by Brandon Carlo. Pavel Zacha had a potential short-handed goal however the Panthers were able to keep the score 2-0.
David Pastrnak made it 3-0 at 8:32 after taking a long-range pass from Dmitry Orlov. Sergei Bobrovsky took over goaltending duties and made eight saves in tonight’s game.
Nick Foligno made it 4-0 at 11:45 after forehanded/backhanding the puck after taking a center pass from Taylor Hall. The Bruins were back on the powerplay when Alexander Barkov was nabbed for roughing against Charlie McAvoy. Gustav Forsling scored a short-handed goal during the B’s powerplay, getting Florida on the scoreboard.
In less than a minute after the first goal, the Panthers made it 4-2 when Sam Reinhart pushed a loose puck off Ullmark’s pad into the net. With a last-minute push by Florida, the Bruins were able to close out on top, winning with a final score of 4-2.
TOTAL SHOTS ON GOAL: BOS-35, FLA-31
Taylor Hall had a goal and an assist while Dmitry Orlov came away with two assists tonight. Florida’s Aaron Ekblad left the game during the second period after initially colliding with Charlie McAvoy; he returned briefly however but did not come back out for the final period.
NEXT GAME: Boston Bruins vs Florida Panthers, Game Four, Sunday, April 23rd with puck drop at 3:30 pm.
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