Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs will commence at 7:30 tonight in Boston. This will be the 34th time the Boston Bruins have faced the Montreal Canadiens in the playoffs. In terms of playoff games it will be number 171 for the rivals. Although the Canadiens have won a strong majority of the series (29), the Bruins have won more recently (2009 &2010).
While the recent playoff past is great to reminisce about, all that really matters is what happens now. This season the Bruins have done better in just about every category the NHL keeps track of. They score .5 more goals than the Canadiens while allowing their opponents to score almost .5 goals less.
During the playoffs the Canadiens have taken an edge on goal scoring. In their 4 game series they averaged 4 goals a game while the Bruins only averaged 2.8. When it comes to goals against the Bruins have given up 1.2 goals per game to the Canadiens' 2.5.
During the playoffs the Canadiens have taken an edge on goal scoring. In their 4 game series they averaged 4 goals a game while the Bruins only averaged 2.8. When it comes to goals against the Bruins have given up 1.2 goals per game to the Canadiens' 2.5.
While many people are expecting this series to be a matchup of elite goaltenders, someone might let Carey Price know. Even though the Canadiens won 4 in a row, Price hasn't exactly been stellar in net. His playoff save percentage is currently at .904. Tuukka Rask, on the other hand, has upped his game and has a .961 save percentage. Hopefully Rask will continue to be hot in net because he has had trouble with Montreal in the past.
Other than Rask, the player who I think will be most important in how this series turns out is Brad Marchand. If he can keep himself in control and use his emotions to escalate his game and not get sucked into any stupid penalties the Bruins will win. According to the Bruins twitter Marchand was the only player not in attendance at today's optional skate. As of now, the reason behind it is anyone's guess.
While it is expected that Daniel Paille will suit up for the black and gold, it is still being called a "game-time decision".
My prediction for the series is the Bruins 4-1. My prediction for tonight is a 3-1 victory for the home team.
While it is expected that Daniel Paille will suit up for the black and gold, it is still being called a "game-time decision".
My prediction for the series is the Bruins 4-1. My prediction for tonight is a 3-1 victory for the home team.
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