Boston Goalie Rask Saves Bruins

Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask kept Boston in Game 2 and enabled them to ultimately even the series in overtime by allowing only one goal after Chicago peppered him with shots all night.

It was the Blackhawks who shined in the first period. They attempted 30 shots and 19 landed on goal. Boston only had 4 shots on goal. In fact, a few Blackhawks players outshot the Bruins. Marian Hossa had five shots and would have had a goal if it was not waved off. The review team said the puck crossed the line after the whistle was blown. Patrick Sharp had six shots on goal and one slipped past goalie Tuukka Rask at the 11:22 mark. If it was not for Rask the Blackhawks could have had a lead of 4-0. It would also be the only good period for Chicago.

A different Chicago team came out in the second period. Boston found a way to slow them down and Chris Kelly scored his first goal of the playoffs with only 5:02 left in the period. Both teams had four power plays, but neither team could capitalize on the advantage. Both teams excelled on defense and forced the other to play maybe a minute of the 2:00 advantage in the offensive zone.  During one the Bruins managed one shot and the Blackhawks had zero. Boston kept up their physical game. Halfway through the second period they had 37 hits and that combined with Rask’s brilliant saves kept them in the game. By the end Chicago looked worn out.

However, the third period was flat-out boring by both teams. Neither team showed any motivation to win it in overtime and forgot they are playing in the Stanley Cup Finals. But with only a few minutes left the Blackhawks only managed eight shots on goal since their fantastic first period. There were no goals or penalties. It was not a good period for either team. Chicago did hold the shots lead 28-19 and it was the second year in a row the first two games go into overtime.

Boston’s Jaromir Jagr, who was having a decent night, almost ended it 1:27 into overtime when his shot hit the crossbar….loudly! The Bruins almost received a power play when the puck went over the glass, but after further review it was determined it deflected off of Boston’s Daniel Paille’s stick instead Chicago’s Nick Leddy. The Blackhawks avoided the delay of game penalty. It would not be the last time they hear from Paille.

Boston would start a drive, but could not finish. Brad Marchand had an excellent chance, but wasted too much time before shooting. A turnover by Andrew Ference led to a great opportunity by Brandon Saad, but Rask came to his team’s rescue with a save.

It was Paille who saved the day. Chicago’s Brent Seabook attempted to clear the puck, but Brandon Bollig fumbled the puck and Adam McQuaid picked it up. He passed it to Tyler Seguin, who passed it to Paille. With a quick wrist shot the puck flew by goalie Corey Crawford to win the game.

The series continues on Monday in Boston. Game 3 is at 8PM ET on NBC Sports Network.