Got back late last night from a couple of weeks on a Bahamas Out Island, had Game 5 on the DVR, managed to wind through 3 airports and a 90 minute limo ride with a chatty driver and NOT find out how it ended 'til I could replay the game...
First, a tip of the helmet to Gustavsson for another strong outing and keeping the score as close as it was, because the Bruins were raging from the jump and the first period could easily have ended 3-0 instead of 1-0. If he doesn't quickly end up as a starter somewhere there's something wrong with the league. Detroit did not lack for goal tending in this series, that's for sure.
Otoh, you can't win if you barely score - and a total of 6 goals in 5 games isn't going to get the job done. This game clearly showed Boston's advantages in depth and playoff experience - and Rask wasn't too shabby either. For the first 30 minutes I was thinking I was seeing the most lopsided 1-0 game ever. Then Chara's missile launch found the cords and the rest was pretty much history.
And we move on.
I've been following the Bruins for 54+ years now and I can't remember ever feeling good about facing Montreal. Still don't. No doubt this will be a challenge, but I think Boston has the weapons to win this round - if they can raise their discipline level higher than what they showed the last couple of games against the Habs.
While special teams play has been top notch this season it's no panacea for losing focus. If the Bruins stay out of the box I think they take this round comfortably, but if they play the personalities instead of the puck it could easily go the other way.
Game One will be huge...
Cheers!