Bruins capitalize on Game 5 power play opportunities, take 3-2 series lead
The Boston Bruins took care of business on home ice in Game 5 against the Montreal Canadiens, posting a 4-2 win thanks to two quick power-play goals in the second period after going 0-10 to begin the series.
Carl Soderberg opened the scoring in the first period, and Reilly Smith and Jarome Iginla added power play goals 32 seconds apart early in the second frame to give the Bruins a 3-1 lead. Brendan Gallagher and Loui Eriksson traded goals later in the game before P.K. Subban brought his team to within two goals with a power-play tally of his own late in the third.
Tuukka Rask was solid in the Bruins net for the second straight game, stopping 29 of 31 shots for the win; at the other end of the ice, Carey Price allowed four goals on 30 shots.
Star Performer
Swedish forward Soderberg was in on three of Boston's four goals, scoring the game's opening goal and assisting on two others.
The goal, a one-time snipe over Price's right shoulder, was his first career NHL playoff goal.
[Courtesy NHL.com]
Turning Point
Boston's two power-play goals 32 seconds apart near the beginning of the second period proved to be the difference. Smith scored his fourth of the postseason by deflecting a stealthy Dougie Hamilton slap pass behind Price; while Iginla scored the eventual game winner shortly thereafter - one-timing a tape-to-tape behind-the-back pass from Torey Krug.
[Courtesy NHL.com]
Highlight Reel
Subban's goal late in the third period made the score 4-2. The goal was the result of an absolute laser beam right over Rask's head.
[Courtesy NHL.com]
Shawn Thornton tried to rain on his parade, however, by appearing to squirt water at Subban from the bench towards the end of the game.
Quote of the Night
After the game, Subban said he was hit twice by flying liquids, but acknowledged there are bigger fish to fry with his team down 3-2 in the series heading back to Montreal.
Subban says he was sprayed twice in visor by water. Took high road: "It's not going to be bulletin-board material in here." #Habs #HabsIO
— Dave Stubbs (@Dave_Stubbs) May 11, 2014
Series Recap
Game 1: BOS 3, MTL 4 (2OT) (Canadiens lead 1-0)
Game 2: BOS 5, MTL 3 (Series tied 1-1)
Game 3: MTL 4, BOS 2 (Canadiens lead 2-1)
Game 4: BOS 1, MTL 0 (OT) (Series tied 2-2)
Game 5: BOS 4, MTL 2 (Bruins lead 3-2)
Game 6: Monday, May 12 7:30 p.m. EST
Game 7*: Wednesday, May 14 TBD