If the Blackhawks and Bruins are trying to set a record for the longest playoff series ever, they're on the right path. Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final ended in overtime yet again, as Boston took a 2-1 win over Chicago to level the series.
2013 Stanley Cup Final GIF recap: Bruins outlast Blackhawks in Game 2
Daniel Paille took advantage of Chicago’s weary legs to even the Stanley Cup Final series at 1-1.
Judging from the first 20 minutes, the Bruins clearly weren’t ready to play. When you stand around, lose puck battles, and find yourself chasing Blackhawks around your own zone, unlucky things happen. Like saving three shots in tight but immediately letting a fadeaway from distance slip into the net.
None of this was amusing to Claude Julien.
After a stern talking-to during the first intermission, the Bruins started to play their game better. Part of Boston's game is physical play. Another part is Brad Marchand annoying the heck out of people.
And let's not forget that relentless forecheck. As the second period clock wound down, the Bruins dug deep and manufactured a game-tying goal from Chris Kelly.
The final period of regulation was fairly uninspiring. Both teams clearly wanted to avoid making a fatal mistake, but their sluggish skating indicated that the triple-overtime Game 1 was starting to catch up with them.
It resulted in a couple of brain farts from Corey Crawford.
He just really needed a rest.
Game 2 had slowly been turning in Boston's favor after the first period, and the momentum shift was fully realized when Daniel Paille beat Crawford top-shelf late in the first overtime for the game-winner.
With that, the series heads back to Boston for Game 3 on Monday. Let’s try and finish it in three periods next time, guys.
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