Reasons leading to Bruins’ loss in the fourth game of the Eastern Conference Finals against Lightning
If the Boston Bruins fail to qualify for the Stanley Cup Finals this time, they are to blame nobody but themselves for losing the fourth game of the series, which they lost after leading 3-0.
The first period of the game saw Bruins leaving the ice with the score in their favour as they had a very strong hold on the game.
However, the poor play in the next 40 minutes of the game by Bruins coupled with the quickness in Lightning’s game, enabled Lightning to make a comeback and level the scores on 3-3 at the end of the second period.
Lightning went on attacking and scored two more goals in the final period to win the game 5-3.
This resulted in Bruins heading home with the series level on 2-2 rather than leading and coming up with a chance of winning the series. This was only the fourth time in the history of Bruins to lose a three goal lead.
In this article we will be mentioning some of the reasons behind Bruins’ loss in the fourth game which put the series on level terms.
Lightning’s back-up goalkeeper, Mike Smith, has done quite well so far and performed brilliantly in the last game, making 21 saves. Starting goalkeeper on the night, Dwayne Roloson, came up with a weak performance allowing three goals in the opening period.
However, when he was replaced by Mike Smith, Lightning saw a change in fortunes and there were no goals scored against them then forth. The win also boosted the goalie’s confidence and this was his first play-off win.
Another reason Lightning was able to make a comeback was that their front-line was quite strong, led by Teddy Purcell. Not only did he make his presence felt on ice, but was also able to score the first two goals to put Lightning ahead, just one goal behind
Bruins.
"That's what I like about our team -- you never know who is going to make that big goal to be the difference", said forward, Simon Gagne, who scored the go-ahead goal in the third period. "It starts with Teddy tonight. I think he was the difference tonight
for us coming back from 3-0 and scoring two big goals. That's what I like about our team -- the balance".
However, all that Bruins can do is sit down and think as to what went wrong. There will be a number of questions as to how they lost the three-goal lead to lose the game?
Patrice Bergeron scored two goals in the opening period and he too would be disappointed at his team’s performance. Nevertheless, he needs to continue on what he has been doing so far so that Bruins can stay in contention for the Stanley Cup.
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