BOSTON, Mass – David Krejci scored twice and registered an assist and Tuukka Rask continued his fine play with 27 stops as the Boston Bruins advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals with a 4-3 win over the Buffalo Sabres.
It was a decidedly different effort from the Bruins in Game six as they recovered from a poor effort in Game five to advance. Perhaps the groundwork was laid with their 21 shot third period assault in Game five, but whatever the reason the Bruins grabbed the lead and never let go.
Specialty teams were the deciding factor in the series and in Game six. The Bruins killed off all 22 power play attempts by the Sabres and took the lead in first period of this game when Krejci notched his first goal. The play was setup by Mark Recchi who snapped off a pass to Krejci who had injected himself into the slot. After arriving, Krejci put his stick on the ice and Recchi’s pass deflected off the stick and off the post before going behind Buffalo goaltender Ryan Miller.
The pair traded roles on the Bruins second power play goal as Krejci found Recchi all alone to the left of Miller. Recchi wasted no time after accepting the pass and wristed the puck behind the Buffalo netminder. Buffalo’s Patrick Kaleta led the Sabres back into the game minutes later when he tipped the puck past Rask.
The two clubs traded goals during the third period. Krejci opened the scoring only to be followed by Nathan Gerbe. Then former Sabres winger Miroslav Satan picked up his second game-winning goal of the series when he gave the Bruins a 4-2 lead. Thomas Vanekl, back in action after missing several games, scored to bring the Sabres to within a goal, but there would be no further scoring in this series.
With the win the Bruins await the winner of the Washington and Montreal series. Should the Capitals win the Bruins will play the defending Stanley Cup-winning Pittsburgh Penguins. If the Canadiens win the Bruins next opponent would be the Philadelphia Flyers.
Contact Tom.Schettino@prohockeynews.com
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