@demalia_lorenzo Game Two Grade
Much has been made about the officiating after the Bruins dropped game two. Most of that criticism is justified, as the Bruins were on the wrong side of some bad calls all night. But even if the officials did not stink up the place the Bruins were not the better team that night. Tampa took it to them all game long and out worked them in every aspect of the game. The Bruins did not have a shot on goal for most of the first period and were out shot 31-20 on the night. They were also playing on their heels far too much, not making enough plays through the neutral zone and getting quality second chances.
Photo Credit: Eric Russo
The Bruins just could not handle the pressure the Lightning put on them all game. But it was not just the Lightning, it was the Bruins’ sloppy play that cost them the game. The B’s turned the puck over 13 times and Tampa had eight takeaways. Both are far too many against a team of Tampa’s stature. The Bruins were also noticeable less physical than the Lightning, as they got out hit 42-24. Overall, everyone will take a split in Tampa heading back to Boston for Game 3. But if the Bruins want to get back on track, they need to tighten things up through the neutral zone and clean up the turnovers.
Grade: D
@JamieGatlin1217 Game Two Grade
The Bruins knew Tampa Bay would come into Game 2 highly motivated after being dominated on their home ice in Game 1. The Bruins struggled offensively in the beginning, as they were unable to record a shot on net in the first thirteen minutes of the game. They fell behind early as Tampa scored the game’s first goal eleven minutes in. The Bruins gained some momentum later in the first period, as Charlie McAvoy scored his first goal of the postseason to tie the game at one.
Tampa Bay scored the next two goals while the Bruins struggled with their puck management. Rask played well in this game, but turnovers hurt the Bruins and led to good scoring opportunities that Tampa Bay capitalized on. In the third period Torey Krug cut Tampa’s lead to one. The Bruins seemed poised to tie it after Marchand got a breakaway that was broken up after he was clearly slashed on the hands by Anton Stralman. This was one of the many controversial calls by the officials that changed the momentum of the game. Tampa put the game out of reach with an empty net goal that made it 4-2 with less than thirty seconds left.
Photo Credit: Douglas R. Clifford/ Tampa Bay Times
Overall Grade C: In Game 3 they will need to put the puck in the net. They will have to tighten up on defense as stretch passes and turnovers have hurt them all year. They will need to be more physical and help Rask. If they can do this then Game 3 could end very differently than Game 2.
@Lizzie88 Game Two Grade
The Bruins knew Tampa was going to come out strong after losing 6-3 on home ice. The Bolts hit back, and Boston just couldn’t catch up. In the first 13 minutes, the Bruins were held without a shot on net. The Black and Gold fell behind, and for once it wasn’t all on Rask. The Bruins were a bit sloppy at times before changing the momentum after Charlie McAvoy tied the game up in the first period. But the night belonged to Tampa. One thing stood out in this game and continues to be a problem throughout the league: the inconsistent officiating in the NHL. Not to use it as an excuse for how disjointed the Bruins looked, but blatant missed calls can change the play of the game.
After Krug brought the B’s within one goal in the third, Brad Marchand was poised to tie the game on a breakaway. However a head scratcher non call stopped the B’s momentum as Marchand was clearly slashed on his hands by Anton Stralman. The interesting part is Torey Krug got called on a “slash”–a love tap up against the pad that did not interfere with any play. Other non calls included a clear cross check to David Pastrnak against the boards. And for the refs, an even more frustrating aspect is the continued shifting of players during the face off. As a fan of the game, just drop the puck.
Photo Credit: NHL. Com
The Bruins need to play better, hit better, and just shoot the puck on net. This series is expected to be chippy and exhausting. The B’s will be bringing the series back to Boston tonight, and with home ice advantage, the Garden will be vibrating. Let’s hope the boys will feed off the crowd and win these next two games. As Marchand puts it:
“We have home ice advantage now, we’ll go home. This games’ over, it’s done with and we’ll move on”
OVERALL GRADE: C- The Bruins need to stop with those turnovers. It’s been their issue all season long. Top line is allowed one off night. Tighten up the D, help Rask out more and get more physical. This series won’t be easy. Stay out of the penalty box, hoping the refs will call a better game.
