Tonight's even strength score... 3-2 Bruins. I figured going into the series that the key for the Bruins was staying out of the penalty box. The biggest advantage Tampa had was how dominate their power play was compared to Boston's. That advantage didn't really show it's head until tonight. What I saw tonight was Boucher going all in with his power play unit, while Julian only half-assed his. After a 0-4 night in game 5, Boucher put all his weapons on one unit, Lecavalier, St. Louis, Stamkos, Gagne. Julian still seems to think spreading his offense out is going to do something for him. He came up with a great wrinkle, putting Chara in front of the net, but then kept Kaberle on the point. Why not put Bergeron out there? Go big and have Chara, Lucic and Horton down low with Bergeron and Boychuck on the points or Krejic, Chara, Lucic, Bergeron and Boychuck and have your best play makers and your best scorers all out there. At this point what is there to lose? The power play isn't going to get any worse.
I still can't believe the ice time Julian is giving Kaberle. I get the argument not to sit him because there is no better option, but that doesn't mean you give the guy important minutes. Having him quarterback the power play at this point is just plain lunacy. He's proven to be a waste yet Julian keeps putting him out there. I just don't get it.
Thomas reverted back to non-god like status as well. A few of tonight's goals were soft. Thomas seems to play best when people are down on him, like he has to prove something. In that case, I think Julian should sit Thomas in game seven, give Rask a shot because I'm just not sure Thomas can get it done.
The one big highlight for the Bruins was the first line. After being shut down in the Montreal series, this line has been the driving force for the B's and tonight seemed to be the only line on the ice. What a waste of a Krejic hat trick. If the Bruins are going to win this last game they are going to need offense from someone else. Peverly or Ryder or Marchand or even that kid Seguin, who was anointed earlier in the series, need to step up and make something happen.
Sorry these thoughts are a little jumbled. Usually I give myself a day to think things over, but this is a direct reaction to the game. We're headed to a game seven and it's got me a little nervous. This series has had so many ups and downs for both teams, game seven could easily be epic. So, I'll be holding my breath for the next 48 hours, hoping this Bruins team has what it takes to pull it off.
No comments:
Post a Comment