The Ottawa Senators snuck out a Game 2 win at home over the weekend, carrying a 1-1 series tie to TD Garden when they play the Boston Bruins in Game 3 on Monday.
Bruins vs. Senators: Defensive injuries test both teams’ depth in Game 3
The first playoff game in Boston in three years.
Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
It’s been a tight series. The two Atlantic Division rivals are more evenly matched than ever with the injury bug biting both mercilessly at the worst possible time. Of all the 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs series, this one feels most destined to go seven games.
In the meantime, though, we have Game 3 to worry about. It’s the first playoff game at home for the Bruins in three years. Expect a raucous crowd.
What we learned in Game 2
Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Tuukka Rask is not infallible. Rask was outstanding in Game 1, holding the Bruins aloft in a 2-1 win. They needed him to, with Brandon Carlo, Torey Krug, and Collin Miller either banged up or out entirely with injuries.
The story was different in Game 2. When Chris Wideman’s shot from the point slipped under his glove in the third period, Rask seemed to lose his composure. Boston watched their lead slip away bit by bit until Phaneuf struck again in overtime.
Key player in Game 2
Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
Erik Karlsson. Ottawa’s captain made himself known in Game 2 with one of the slickest playoff assists you’ll ever see. Karlsson was as crucial to Ottawa’s comeback win as Craig Anderson, Kyle Turris, or Dion Phaneuf himself. Boston is still injured and vulnerable, and Karlsson could be primed for a big night.
What will decide Friday night’s game?
Depth vs. depth. The truth is both teams are dealing with losses. Ottawa lost Mark Borowiecki and the Bruins added Adam McQuaid to the injury list in Game 2. It’ll be interesting to see how Bruce Cassidy and Guy Boucher play the matchup game when both teams’ replacements are on the ice. There’s no doubt the likes of Charlie McAvoy, Joe Morrow, Ben Harper, or Fredrik Claesson will be tested. How they handle it could determine Game 3.
Who takes home Game 3?
The Ottawa Senators looked like a different team as Game 2 closed. It’s the first playoff game in Boston in three years, but something tells us the Senators will overcome a slow start and finish strong. Senators take Game 3.
See More:
