| 23 May 2011
The 2nd period was a better period- not a great period- but one that got the job done. Following a dismal 1st period, the 2nd opened looking much like the same as Nathan Horton finished his carry over minutes before proceeding to be sent directly back into the box for an interference call. The Bruins would continue their success on the PK killing off both calls and then forcing a freeze in the Tampa end.
The following face off as predicted would prove critical as a Krejci win lead to Lucic cycling on the boards before feathering a pass to Horton high in the slot for a one timer and the game tying goal.
Tampa would look to neutralize the swing at this point while the Bruins attempted to bring more heat to the game. A mix up in the neutral zone between Marchand and Malone would lead to 4 on 4 play. With the extra space on the ice, Rich Peverley looked to utilize his speed and drive wide to the net. Eric Brewer was forced to take the penalty in slowing him down and 4 on 3 play would ensue.
The Bruins still faced similar issues as they had in the first though- their game was not sharp enough as outlet passes, dump ins, and neutral zone communication slowed down entry and wasted valuable power play minutes. But what they did do was execute just enough to take the lead in this.
With the period winding down, Chara attempted to make something happen and worked across the neutral zone and gained the blue line before passing the puck along to Patrice Bergeron. Bergeron, the consistent contributor to the Bruins took the puck with his head up and sent a bullet of a pass to the far post where a crashing Brad Marchand put home the Bruin's 2nd of the game.
Both teams fought in the final 4 minutes to take over the momentum, setting up what looks to be one bad dog fight of a 3rd period. Watch for both teams to come out extremely hard and fast to control action. Tampa will be more aggressive, looking to pressure the Bruins defensemen deep in their own end. The Bruins on the other hand will look to counter by bringing a forward low and attempting to have a series of quick passes that lead to speed going into the neutral zone. The speed could be a difference maker and force Tampa on their heels.
In the offensive end the Bruins will look to take the space they can create through the neutral zone and have it lead into offensive zone possessions. From there the aim will be to crash the net and bring traffic to Smith. Smith still has been relatively left alone in this game only having faced 12 shots. The Bruins will look to make life difficult for him early.
At the end of this, the best lines for each team will be looked at to produce. Expect this to be a fight of a 3rd and a period of exciting, enjoyable hockey.
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