Bruins Win In OT To Take 3-1 Series Lead

The Boston Bruins took a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Toronto Maple Leafs with a 4-3 win in overtime.

After being embarrassed in game three, the first home playoff game in nine years in Toronto, the Leafs came out strong and scored two easy goals in the first period. They went into first intermission with the 2-0 lead, but Leo Komarov received a penalty with less than a minute in the period. The Bruins would start the second period on the power play.

In these games it always seems when a team starts a period on the power play they score a quick goal, and the Bruins were no different. Patrice Bergeron scored 32 seconds into the second and stole whatever momentum the Leafs possessed. The Bruins went on to score two more unanswered goals by David Krejci, including a power play goal, before the Leafs stormed back. Clarke MacArthur scored a quick slap shot at the 17:23 mark to tie the game.

There were not any goals in the third, mainly because of the great defense by Leafs goalie James Riemer and Bruins goalie Tuuka Rask. Both teams played extremely physical hockey. Leafs defenseman took a shot to the face with 12:00 left in regulation. He left for the dressing room and did not return.

Both teams gave it their all in overtime, but it was David Krejci who finally pushed the puck into the net. 13:06 into overtime he scored his third goal, giving him a hat trick, and lifted the Bruins to a victory.

Krejci has five goals and 10 points in these four games. The Bruins can finish the series in game five Friday night in Boston.