BOSTON, Mass – Even though the matchup was bad on paper for the Boston Bruins its even worse on the ice as the Bruins are suffering through a “worst-case” scenario. In a game that was effectively over after just a few minutes, the Canadiens have taken complete control of their, probably not going to be, best-of-seven series against the third-seeded Bruins.
Michael Cammalleri converted James Wisniewski’s carom off the backboards just 43 seconds into the game, and the Bruins, who were dealing with the absence of captain Zdeno Chara, were effectively out of the contest. Before Boston could regain their senses Mathieu Darche scored a power play goal mere seconds into a Dennis Seidenberg’s interference call.
The Bruins, who believed the call against Seidenberg was a tough one, allowed Darche to gain the side of the net where he was spotted by Cammalleri. Cammellari came out from behind the net and fired a cross-crease pass to Darche a mere six seconds after going on to the power play.
Patrice Bergeron finally figured out Montreal goaltender Carey Price when he scored on a tip-in early in the second period. The goal broke a scoreless streak for the Bruins that ran back to their third goal against the Philadelphia Flyers in Game Seven during last season’s playoff collapse. Bergeron was left unattended to the side of Price and converted a pass from Brad Marchand.
Looking for the tying goal Boston continued to buzz Price, but were unable to solve the goaltender again. Price, who has played poorly against the Bruins in the past, was unbeatable although many of his 34 saves were routine.
What has been missing in this series thus far are the soft goals Price has given up in previous series to hearten the Bruins.
On the other end of the ice Boston netminder Tim Thomas has been giving up the goal “he’d like to have back” and game two was no exception. With the Bruins pressing to come back the Canadiens scored on a play that should have been nothing more than an offensive zone face-off.
Montreal’s Lars Eller propelled a wrist shot at Thomas which apparently hand-cuffed the Bruins netminder. Thomas made the save with his blocker, but the rebound came directly to Yannick Weber who scored the back-breaking goal.
With the win the Canadiens return to Canada with a two games to none lead. Should they be able to win the next two at home they can save their fans the drive to Massachusetts and have a long rest before the second round.
Contact Tom.Schettino@prohockeynews.com
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