Three things Boston Bruins need to do to eliminate Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 6: 2011 NHL Play-offs
The Boston Bruins have finally gotten a chance to move into the Stanley Cup Finals since the last time during the 1990 post-season after they put the Tampa Bay Lightning on the verge of elimination in Game 5 of the National Hockey League (NHL) Play-offs Eastern Conference Finals.
Up until now, Boston had some miraculous saviours come and go, to bring them this far into the series, without which they most likely would have been in the situation in which Tampa Bay is in now. The Lightning have seemed to lost that touch which they once had during the previous quarter-final and semi-final series, but it only takes a tiny spark to get them going again. In the upcoming Game 6, Boston needs to avoid giving them a chance to gain that spark and dominate them to move on without letting Tampa Bay force an uncertain game seven.
"I mean I don't need to say it, everybody else says it; (the fourth win) is the toughest one to get, right?" said Nathan Horton. "We're going to have to work even harder because we're going into their building and they're going to be all excited, and just need to play smart and work hard, and play a good, solid road game."
Winners of the 2004 Stanley Cup, Tampa Bay is all set to bring back the cup after eight years of trying and these play-off series have been the best since. They eliminated the top seed in the Eastern Conference in a shocking 4-0 series and can do the same to the Bruins unless Boston plays equally well, but when they lag behind they lose. Three things Boston will need to do in order to eliminate the Lightning in Game 6 and avoid a tension-filled Game 7 are:
Play Natural Defence
One aspect about the Boston Bruins game-play that no one can deny is their ability to play defence. The Bruins have one of the tightest defensive ends which, if they play to the peak of their abilities, are almost impossible to penetrate.
Tim Thomas is not without a reason the best goalie in the league and if the Lightning decides to play their backup goalie Mike Smith again, then winning will not be a problem.
Play Tyler Seguin instead of Patrice Bergeron
If not in the future, playing Tyler Seguin right now is Boston’s best chance at winning. Making his debut in Game 2 when Patrice Bergeron went out due to concussion related problems, Seguin made his presence felt in a big way which no one expected. He played well against the Lightning using his youth to outrun and burn them out. Scoring double goals and assists during Game 3 gave Boston a huge uplift and keeping him out for Game 4 as Bergeron came back brought them nothing but defeat.
Increase physical play
Boston without a doubt is one of the most physical teams in the NHL and after a hit on Max Pacioretty, they have notched down on the hitting for fear of another sever accident. They must realise that accidents happen, but not playing like their normal selves will only affect them in the long run.
Other than the mentioned changes, the Boston Bruins are all set to reach the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals, but only time will tell when they meet up in Tampa Bay on Wednesday to face the Lightning for what might be the last game of the Eastern Conference Finals.
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