Boston Bruins Take 2-0 Series Lead Over Hurricanes As They Smoke Carolina 6-2 In Game 2

The Boston Bruins are steamrolling the Carolina Hurricanes. 

On Sunday in game 2 of the series the Black and Gold obliterated the Hurricanes 6-2 in the Eastern Conference Finals. 

Boston saw a pair of goals from Matt Grzelcyk, and one from Jake DeBrusk, David Backes, Connor Clifton, and Danton Heinen. 

“I think again it was kind of the importance of taking advantage of home ice and we came out ready to go and that’s been a strength of our team throughout the playoffs,” said Grzelcyk. 

Goaltender Tuukka Rask saved 21 of 23 shots allowing two third period goals to the Hurricanes with the game already in the bag for Boston. Rask and the B’s were perfect on the penalty kill with the Bruins not allowing a Carolina goal on five power play attempts.  

The B’s will travel to Carolina now on Monday with a 2-0 series lead looking to make quick work of the Canes to give the weary a little bit of rest ahead of a potential Stanley Cup Final. 

Boston Bruins Looking To Make It 2-0 On Sunday Against Hurricanes Before Heading Down To Carolina

The Boston Bruins kicked off their Eastern Conference Final series with the Carolina Hurricanes with an impressive 5-2 victory. 

Boston hosts one more at home for game 2 on Sunday before heading down to Carolina. Game 2 has a rather odd time with the NHL putting the game at a 3 pm face off despite it being Mother’s Day. 

The Black and Gold are looking to take a 2-0 lead over the Cane’s but will have to accomplish it without one of their forwards. 

Former Providence College Friar Noel Acciari is rebounding well from his injury and could be available for game 3 but not for Sunday. 

“He is doing well,” said Bruce Cassidy.” Should be a full practice Monday, I am not sure what we are doing that day but he will be ready whatever the case may be for Monday. Hopefully that allows him to play Tuesday.”

The B’s will get one player back for game 2 tough and that is defenseman Charlie McAvoy who served a one-game suspension during game one for a high hit in the last round of the playoffs. 

“I can’t wait, very excited,” said McAvoy. “It’s the Conference Finals and I am looking to make an impact anyway i can and I am just really thrilled for the opportunity.” 

Despite a reassuring victory in game 1 and making quick work of the Columbus Blue Jackets in the previous series the B’s have taken an approach that would likely make Bill Belichick smile. They are always looking to improve.

”Part of that is our group, they want to continue to elevate,” said Cassidy. “Bergy talks about it all the time, build your game, build your game. Those are buzz words around our room. Keep building your game.” 

Boston has gotten superb goaltending from Tuukka Rask throughout this playoff run. Rask who is just over halfway to the promised land of carrying a team to the Stanley Cup has been rather consistent. 

“To be as consistent as he has been, that is one of the reasons that four teams advance generally if there goaltender stays consistent the whole way,” said Cassidy.  

Boston is in a good position to go up 2-0 before heading down to Carolina for game 3. And while it is critical to win home games in the playoff, the B’s are looking to win every game they play.

“That’s the goal, the goal is to win every game,” said McAvoy.

”We are excited to play,” said Brad Marchand.”It’s going to be a big game, they are going to come out hard.”

Boston Bruins With A Resounding Victory Over Hurricanes In Game 1 Of The Eastern Conference Finals

In Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals the Boston Bruins created the storm with a resounding 5-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes. 

Boston got things started very quickly with a Steven Kampfer goal less than 3 minutes into the game. But Carolina responded immediately with a goal of their own by Aho Sebastian less than a minute later on the power play. 

“You want to make a hit or a play (right away),” said Kampfer.” I was fortunate that (the goal) came on my first shift.”

The B’s were outplayed in the second period with the Cane’s taking the lead with a Greg McKegg goal mid-way into the second period. If it wasn’t for goaltender Tuukka Rask the B’s could have trailed by more. 

“No one was happy about our 2nd period,” said Head Coach Bruce Cassidy. “They know, guys gotta dig in. I thought we did a good job with that.”

Boston one upped Carolina’s second period with a four goal third period with Marcus Johansson and Patrice Bergeron both scoring powerplay goals less than three minutes into the third period. 

“In the 3rd period, we played better and faster,” said Johansson.”Got back to what’s been successful and got rewarded.”

Charlie Coyle hit an empty netter in the 17th minute and then Chris Wagner undressed the Cane’s defense to put the Boston Bruins up 5-2. 

Goaltender Tuukka Rask saved  29 of 31 shots putting in a solid days work with a depleted defense in front of him with Charlie McAvoy serving a one game suspension and Captain Zdeno Chara battling through an in-game lower body injury he suffered in the first period. 

With the win the Black and Gold take a 1-0 series lead and will wait for game 2 of the series which will take place at 3:00 pm on Mothers Day.