In a game that was decided by the slimmest of margins, the Boston Bruins were able to defend their home ice and eliminate the Tampa Bay Lightning by a score of 1-0. For the most part this was a goaltending dual, with both goalies not only matching sprawling save after sprawling save, but both teams playing some excellent defense to. Not a single penalty was called in this game and from my prospective was justified. The refs did a great job of not only keeping emotions down but letting the players decide the game for themselves. Both teams had really good chances, though I would say Boston had way more of them. I find it ironic though, the entire post season most people gave so much credit for the Lightning's 1-3-1 defensive scheme and yet the lone goal came off a great crash the net tip in that made the scheme fail. With 7:33 left in the 3rd period, Nathan Horton redirected a pass from David Krejci to score the lone goal. After that the Bruins went into full defensive mode and hardly let Tampa find any really good chances. They couldn't penetrate the blue line and before you knew it the game was over. If anyone is going to challenge the Canucks it will have to be the Boston D.
As for Tampa Bay, that was a really solid effort that unfortunately wasn't enough. That was a great road game they played and did pretty much everything right. Dwayne Roloson had no chance, on the lone goal and the Lightning couldn't find a answer to Tim Thomas' great performance. I think Steve Yzerman has this team on the right track and next season the Lightning will come back even stronger. Though you have to wonder how much time Roloson has left.
Also I have to give a shout out to Steven Stamkos. He not only showed balls but is a pure example why hockey players are a whole other animal. They don't cry over bumps and bruises, cuts and scrapes, broken bones, etc... they get up, get fixed and get back out there. Two words... Man's Game!
Lone Goal
Steven Stamkos
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