So, I was already to write a post deploring Claude Julian to sit Nathan Horton for the next game and give Tyler Seguin a shot. I mean, there is no way the kid could have a worse effect on the game then Horton. And then Horton goes and wins the game. It makes it a little harder to ask for a player to be benched when he wins a double overtime battle that put the Bruins up 3-2. But I'm going to push forward anyway, because for 4 periods last night Horton was horrible. For a guy who is supposed to be a goal scorer Horton seems scared to take a shot on net. He gets the puck and circles the zone instead of firing it on Price. Both Krejci and Lucic stepped up their games, but Horton still seems to be in outer space. I know Julian isn't going to bench him, especially after him scoring such a dramatic and important goal, but I think it's time to give someone else a chance to get the job done.
Alright, enough negative, the Bruins just took a 3-2 games lead in the series, I should be focusing on the positive. I've decided to set aside some money for a Micheal Ryder jersey, my new favorite player. Where was this guy all year? Although he didn't have a point last night, Ryder, along with Andrew Ference, was by far the best player on the ice. He was all over both zones, putting pressure on the Montreal defense and coming up with some amazing back checking plays. The obvious play being the game saving glove save with Thomas unable to get back in position, but there were other gems like a great stick check from behind on Brian Gionta as he rushed uncontested up the ice late in the game. I hope this version of Michael Ryder stays around for the rest of the playoffs and doesn't disappear with his former team.
Another player who had had a great series who I haven't mentioned is Brad Marchand. As I mentioned in my last post, there is a certain type of player that the Bruins fans fall in love with. It's usually a player who plays with heart and grit. He might not be a 50 goal scorer, but he will definitely leave everything he has on the ice. Every year the Bruins give out the "7th Player" award that is voted on by the fans. I think is says something about the Boston fans that I could tell you with almost 100% certainty who is going to win the award at the end of the year. This year's winner was Marchand and it was no fluke. The kid is a throw back to the days of Kenny Linesman and Randy Burridge. He may be small in stature but certainly not in heart. Along with his twenty goals came a pesky attitude that made him great agitator willing to stick his nose in any situation. That type of play was clearly on display last night as he scored a important third period goal and seemed to be at the center of every scrum. There probably isn't a more entertaining player on the team. It's great to see him finding success.
Game Six is Tuesday night. Hopefully two days off doesn't stall the Bruins momentum and they can wrap this thing up in Montreal.
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