The first period of Stanley Cup Finals Game 5 between the Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins was expected to give us a hefty glimpse into what to expect over the rest of the game and, potentially, the rest of the series. Would the Canucks be able to fight back after getting pushed around for two games in Boston, or would the Bruins keep the pedal to the metal?
Bruins Vs. Canucks, Game 5 Score: Vancouver Fights Back, Kills Penalties In Scoreless First Period
Through 20 minutes, it’s not as clear as we’d like it, but we do know a few things. For starters, the Bruins still can’t score on the power play. That’s never going to change. In three attempts during the first period, they were simply horrible yet again. They had maybe one or two solid chances, but for the most part -- nada.
At even strength, it’s tough to argue that the Canucks aren’t back. Believe it or not, Vancouver outhit the Bruins in the first period. Not only did they outhit them, though, they did it by a margin of 23 to 13. Home scoring bias, perhaps, but there’s no doubt that the Canucks have some extra jump in their step in Game 5 so far.
Boston out-shot Vancouver, but that’s thanks to the power play. Outside of the hitting department, the Canucks also controlled the faceoff dot in the first period, something they’ve yet to do all series, by a margin of 68 percent. Even Patrice Bergeron lost five of eight faceoffs, and he’s a tank at those things.
Vancouver had the edge, Boston did not. Really that simple. We’ll see if it continues through the second period.
Oh, and guys: the diving BS. Knock that off.
The Stanley Cup Finals are ongoing, as the Vancouver Canucks battle the Boston Bruins. Stick with this StoryStream for full coverage of Game 5. For coverage on the Finals, stick with our Stanley Cup Finals hub, our Canucks blog, Nucks Misconduct, and our Bruins blog, Stanley Cup of Chowder.
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