Game 1 Quick Thoughts

 

Well, that certainly didn't end how we would've wanted it to. The Bruins battled hard and certainly got their chances, but the Blackhawks scored in 3OT to take Game 1. It was a frustrating loss for the Black and Gold, who were up 2-0 and 3-1 but couldn't close it out. However, this series isn't over yet. The Bruins will be back on Saturday with a vengeance, looking to knot up the series headed back to Boston.

Here are some quick thoughts from Game 1:

-This is the best team they've played all year. I don't even think it's close. They have the skill of Pittsburgh, but unlike the Penguins they play like a team. The Blackhawks were fast, physical, they were deep, and their goaltending was outstanding. It's gonna take a lot to beat this team.
 
-Speaking of goaltending, Corey Crawford is legit. Some might have argued that his playoff numbers are inflated because of how good his team is, but he made a lot of key saves at big moments. Rask played phenomenal at the other end of the ice as well, and really can't be blamed for any of the goals against him- especially 3 and 4 which were fluke goals.

-If Nathan Horton misses the rest of the series, the B's are in trouble. He has been a key part of the most dominant line in the playoffs and while Seguin may have flashes of brilliance, he can't be expected to produce like Horton has.

-Say what you will about Shaw, but that's the kind of the every team needs. Much like Marchand, he's an agitator and loves getting under his opponent's skin. However, he doesn't cross the line into Steve Ott territory and he also produces: 2 points last night.

-Kelly and Peverly have been terrible. They were -5 with 0 points last night and have combined for 2 points this entire postseason. Julien and Chiarelli have been boasting about the Bruins' depth for three years... where is it now?

-Julien should consider sitting Krug for Game 2. It wasn't just the bad turnover on the Hawks' 2nd goal, but he was making bad decisions with the puck all night and he looked lost unless he was on the powerplay. I know he can move the puck, but Bartkowski can as well and is probably less prone to mistakes.

-Seidenberg is an absolute beast. He led the team with 48:36 time on ice and had 9 blocked shots. Only Duncan Keith (48:40) played more than him. We'll need more of the same from #44 if the team is to come back. And, for what it's worth, I thought Johnny Oduya was the Hawk's best d-man last night. He made some great sprawling plays to keep the scoring chances to a minimum and scored the tying goal, fluky though it was.