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Bruins Win! Force Game 7

The Bruins exploded out of the gate in Game 6, fended off some awesome play by the Hurricanes, and had just enough to come out with the 4-2 win. The Bruins scored two goals early, but ran into penalty trouble late in the first and throughout the third period, allowing the ‘Canes to come back into the game. Carolina kept chipping away at the Bruins, taking momentum late in the game, but ultimately, were unable to stop the Bruins from making this a Game 7, win or go home situation. Tim Thomas finished with an excellent game, notching 31 saves.

Two minutes into the first period, Mark Recchi scored in an open net after an awesome dish from Patrice Bergeron. The play was reviewed as the goal moved as the puck crossed the line, but it was determined that the call would stand. Three minutes later, Steve Montador took a touch pass from David Krejci at center ice, hesitated, and drilled an upper corner bullet past Cam Ward, giving the Bruins a 2-0 lead.

Behind by two goals, the Hurricane’s picked up the pace and let loose an offensive barrage starting about 15 minutes into the first. Zdeno Chara was called for a holding penalty late in the first period, which carried over into the second period. With the momentum shifting to their side, and the Bruins worn out from the penalty kill, Matt Cullen took advantage and made the first score for Carolina 2:49 into the second.

The Bruins answered at 8:53 with a Lucic/Wideman effort, getting the puck to Marc Savard for the goal. The Bruins weathered an intense next 10 minutes from the ‘Canes, with stop after stop by Thomas. Then Chuck Kobasew took a pass from Patrice Bergeron with 18:03, scoring to make it 4-1 Bruins. After the goal, it seemed like the Bruins might be able to walk to an easy victory, but that wasn’t to be the case.

Sergei Samsonov, who has been killing the Bruins all series, gave Carolina a fighting chance with a score 7:04 into the third, making it 4-2 and igniting the crowd that had been silent all game. Back-to-back penalties against the Bruins in the third, Montador (boarding) and Wideman (delay of game), allowed the Hurricanes to mount a furious rally of shots against Thomas and company. Wideman and Thomas combined with a huge save to stop a sure goal and, later, Tim Thomas shut down Eric Staal on a breakaway.

The Bruins played a tough game and made some awesome passes to build scoring opportunities. Tim Thomas was spectacular making stops when the Bruins needed them most. This series has now lived up to everything it was supposed to. Game 7 will be Thursday at 8PM.

Also to note: Marc Savard went to the dressing room with an apparent injury after a hit with Chad LaRose. He did not return. More to come on his status.

Tags: Bruins, NHL Playoffs