Bruins complete comeback, series tied at two

After trailing all game long the Bruins finally got the lead at the most opportune time; sudden death overtime. It was a goal (his second of the game) by Michael Ryder that gave the Bruins their first lead of the entire game and a 5-4 win in Montreal that ties the series up at two games apiece heading back to Boston for game five on Saturday night.

The Canadians scored first just eight minutes into the first period on a goal by Brent Sopel. The first period was completely dominated by Montreal and the Bruins were lucky to only be trailing by a goal at the first intermission. The Bruins scored first in the second period on a goal by Ryder. The game remained tied for only a little under four minutes as Mike Cammalleri scored for the Canadians giving them a 2-1 lead. Just under a minute later Andrei Kostitsyn found the back of the net for Montrael and they were in control of the game. Following the goal, Bruins coach Claude Julien called time out, which in the end turned out to be the turning point in the hockey game.

Boston fought back for the remainder of the second period scoring two goals, sending the game into the third period tied at three. Andrew Ference scored the second Bruins goal, while Patrice Bergeron scored the third. The third period was set up to be the biggest in the Bruins season thus far.

It did not get off to a good start as just under a minute in Bergeron was sent to the penalty box for a hooking penalty and Canadian defensemen P.K. Subban scored giving the Canadians a 4-3 lead. The Bruins would not go quietly as they controlled the play in the third and finally got to Montreal goalie Carey Price as Chris Kelley beat the goaltender knotting the score at four, with just over seven minutes to go. The game was heading towards overtime, but not before the Bruins had to kill a penalty with just over two minutes to go as Dennis Seidenberg was called for interference. Tim Thomas made some big saves to send the game into overtime.

Just less than two minutes into the overtime session Ryder scored his second goal of the game giving the Bruins a 5-4 win. This evens the series at two as the teams will play game five in Boston Saturday night.

The Bruins showed a great deal a determination and resilience not giving up trailing the entire game. After the third goal, and subsequent timeout the Bruins turned things around and were a different team, playing their game and not letting the Canadians take control and force them to play theirs. This game was a great win for Julien. His timeout was definitely a game changer, and he very rarely calls time outs in the middle of games. Also, he stuck to his plan when many people called for Ryder to be benched in favor of Tyler Seguin. His patience paid off as Ryder netted two goals.

Thomas continued his shaky play as although he made some big saves they could have been prevented if he did not allow so many rebounds. He has had a great deal of trouble this series with rebounds. He has improved on his flopping on his back, and not been doing much of that of late, but rebounds are still a huge issue. He cannot expect to keep winning games when he is allowing so many rebounds. He has also allowed his fair share of “soft” goals. I would say the first goal he allowed tonight could be considered a softie. He needs to pick up his play in order for the Bruins to advance, because sooner or later Montreal is going to take complete advantage.

The road team has won every game in this series and the Bruins would like to change that come Saturday night, and now it is a best of three with the Bruins have the home ice.

Boston sports notebook

With both of the Boston playoff teams off today there is really no game to recap and analyze, but it is a good time to take a look at both teams and discuss where they are at in each of their respective series. There is also stuff going on with both the Red Sox and the Patriots, yes the Patriots.

– The Celtics lead their series with the Knicks 2-0, but it surely doesn’t seem like it. Game one the Celtics played pretty poorly in the second and third quarters and actually trailed by 12 at halftime, but led by Ray Allen’s three-pointer with 10 seconds left they completed the come back and stole game one. In game two the Knicks were without the services of point guard Chauncey Billups and then Amare Stoudemire left the game early on with back spasms, but yet the Celtics were down by one at the half, and only came away with a three point win. Sure, the Celtics are up 2-0 in the series, and in control of the series, but they certainly haven’t been looking like a team that is ready to win a championship. They haven’t looked great in the half court offense, and have not been very consistent on defense. Paul Pierce has struggled at times as well, including down the stretch last night missing key open jump shots. He has been on Carmelo Anthony on the defensive end, which definitely isn’t an easy task and I think this has worn him out on the offensive end. Rajon Rondo is the key to the Celtics and how well they play, which has been the case in the playoffs before. He was on his game last night as he netted a career playoff high 30 points. Some reports today have said that Shaq isn’t expected back at any time during the playoffs, and that is a big blow to the Celtics as they are still lacking that presence in the paint. Jermaine O’Neal had his best game as a Celtic in game one, but you really cannot count on J.O. to play like he did in game on night in and night out. Game three is set for Friday night at MSG.

– After a great win Monday night in Montreal the Bruins are looking to tie their series with the Canadians at two games apiece in game four tomorrow night in Montreal. The key to game four and the rest of the series in my opinion is the play of Tim Thomas. Although he was outstanding in the third period Monday night, it shouldn’t have needed to come to that because of the two “soft” goals Thomas allowed earlier in the game. He cannot continue to allow soft goals and expect the team to keep winning. I think being on the road benefited the Bruins in game three. They were a much more relaxed team and played their style of play. I think being at home in games one and two really put the pressure on the Bruins and they did not play their game, and came back to cost them. The key in this series has been scoring first, whichever team has scored first has won each of the three games. Especially playing on the road it is absolutely critical for the Bruins to get off to a good start and score that first goal.

– The Red Sox opened a nine-game road trip last night in Oakland with a 5-0 loss. The score was not indicative of the game, as it was actually much closer than that. The A’s scored four runs in the bottom of the 8th inning. The Red Sox actually got a very good start from John Lackey. This was definitely needed for the confidence of the team and the right-hander as he was skipped in his previously scheduled start. The Red Sox have still yet to win a road game in 2011 (0-7). They will need to change that trend in the next few games and a poor road trip will really dig a hole for the Red Sox, who are currently 5-11 to open the year. One of the controversies that has developed early on is who to be the everyday catcher, Jarrod Saltalamacchia or Jason Varitek. Both have struggled mightily at the plate, but Varitek has handled the pitching staff. After Monday’s game Saltalamacchia’s ERA when catching was over 7, Varitek’s was just over 2. I don’t think Varitek can really handle being the everyday catcher, his body can just not handle it anymore. There have been rumors that the Sox might be looking for a new catcher, either from the Paw Sox or from another team. Personally, it is too early in the season to give up on Saltalamacchia. Give him till the end of May, and then reevaluate things. It is way too early to panic with this Red Sox team, they just have too many talented players to do that.

– The Patriots 2011 schedule was released last night…if of course there is football this season. The schedule can be found here: http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4694994/patriots-2011-complete-schedule

There are a ton of good home opponents for the Patriots, something that hasn’t really been true the past few years. Some big games to look is the Oct. 9 home game with the Jets, their first meeting since last years playoff game. The Patriots will also host Scott Pioli, Matt Cassell and the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football Nov. 21. The Colts will also be coming to Foxboro on Sunday night Dec. 4, which has always been an entertaining match up. There are only two 1 PM home games on the year, and they occur the last two weeks. I personally like this, as I am a fan of primetime, national TV games. This all is of course pending that the owners and the players can come to an agreement on a new CBA and allow for football in 2011 to take place.

Bruins take game three in Montreal

In a virtually must win game Monday night trailing 0-2 in the series the Bruins played by far their best game of the series, jumping off to an early 3-0 lead over the Canadians and then held on to earn a 4-2 victory, and now are only down 2 games to 1 in the best of seven series.

David Krejci scored just over three minutes into the game giving the Bruins a 1-0 and the momentum they needed. Nathan Horton added a goal in the closing minutes of the period sending the teams into the locker room with the Bruins holding a 2-0 lead. They carried the momentum over to the second period when Rich Peverley scored just over two minutes into the period, giving the Bruins a commanding 3-0 lead.

Montreal would not go quietly though as Andrei Kostitsy scored just five minutes later cutting the deficit to 3-1. That score held until four minutes into the third period and Tomas Plekanec found the back of the net making it a one goal game. The Canadians threw everything they had at Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas the rest of the game, but he held strong and allowed for Bruins forward Chris Kelly to add an empty net goal clinching the 4-2 win for Boston.

The Bruins got their captain Zdeno Chara back after he missed game two because of dehydration. His impact was surely felt and gave the Bruins the boost they needed defensively. Chara finished with a team-high 26:20 of ice time, three blocked shots, an assist, and three hits. He was limited as he had to play shorter shifts, but he was just as effective as normal. The Bruins need Chara to remain healthy and continue to play at the level he is capable of.

A big question entering the game was the play of Tim Thomas. He had struggled the first two games, and there were actually some rumors speculating that Tuukka Rask would get the start in game three. Thomas responded nicely by having an unbelievable third period, making numerous clutch saves enabling the Bruins to hold on for the win. Thomas did allow two goals, and both of which were pretty “soft”, coming from awkward angles and beating him through the five-hole. Thomas needs to pick up his play, and get back to his regular season form. He cannot allow “bad” goals if the Bruins want to advance further in the playoffs.

Game four is set for Thursday night in Montreal. The key for the Bruins is to score that first goal of the game. After scoring the first goal of game three it seemed like they played much more relaxed hockey and just let things happen instead of trying to force things to happen. Game four is a very critical game and could change the whole complexity of the series.

Allen leads comeback, Celtics take game one

The Celtics overcame a 12 point halftime deficit, and needed a three from Ray Allen with 11 seconds left to escape the TD Garden and win game one over the Knicks 87-85. The Knicks controlled play most of the way with the Celtics trailing the majority of the game, but they could not hold on to the lead late.

Down one with about 20 seconds left in the game the Celtics drew up a play for Allen, and he delivered another clutch playoff three giving the Celtics a 87-85 lead. The Knicks had one last chance but a forced deep three from Carmelo Anthony was short and the Celtics came away with the victory.

The Celtics used a 23-9 run in the late stages of the third and early fourth to regain the lead 66-64, before the Knicks took the lead back, which in the end set up Allen’s heroics. Allen led the Celtics with 24 points. The Celtics actually were pretty well balanced in scoring as all five starters reached double figures. Paul Pierce had 18, while Kevin Garnett added 15. Rajon Rondo contributed 10, and  got 12 points and a very strong game from Jermaine O’Neal. O’Neal had a major impact in the paint with four rebounds and four blocks, but not shown in the box score was a few charges drawn and  his intensity that the Celtics have been lacking down low since the Perkins trade.

Amare Stoudemire did take over the game for the Knicks and took it to Garnett on the offensive end of the floor. He finished the game with 28 points and 11 rebounds. The Celtics need to do a better job in controlling Stoudemire and cannot let him take control of the game.

Another issue for the Celtics was their bench play. They did not get much contribution from their bench, they finished with only eight points, compared to the Knicks 23. This is something they will need to improve on in the games to come in the rest of the series. They cannot rely on the starters game in and game out because they are too old to be doing all the work. Guys like Glen Davis, Delonte West and Jeff Green need to step up and give the team some big minutes. Although stat wise Davis did not have a great game, he was a +13, which I think is a key stat that gets over looked. That led the Celtics.

Game two is set for Tuesday night at the TD Garden, and the Celtics need to play better than they did in game one if they expect to come away with a win and take a commanding 2-0 series lead. They need to play with intensity on defense for the entire 60 minutes and have other guys step up besides the “Big 3” and Rondo.

But, game one will be remembered for yet another memorable clutch three-pointer from Ray Allen. Is their anyone more clutch in the playoffs than him?

No Chara, Bruins face 0-2 deficit

In as close to a must win game as you can get Saturday night at the TD Garden the Bruins fell to the Canadians 3-1 and now head to Montreal down 2-0 in the best of seven series. After being hospitalized Friday night for what is being called “dehydration” captain Zdeno Chara could not give it a go Saturday night and was scratched from the line up. Throughout the day it was thought that Chara would be able to play, but after going through the pre-game skate Chara was not cleared by the Bruins medical staff and was forced to sit. His absence was felt early and often.

Once again the Bruins did not come out ready to play and paid the price. Mike Cammalleri scored just 43 seconds into the game giving the visitors an early 1-0 lead. Just over two minutes later Mathieu Darche found the back of the net on the power play giving the Canadians a 2-0 before everyone could even take to their seats at the TD Garden. That is how the score remained for the rest of the period as the teams entered the first intermission with the Canadians holding a 2-0 lead.

The Bruins finally scored  their first goal of the series just over seven minutes into the second period of a beautiful deflection by Patrice Bergeron cutting the deficit to one at 2-1. The momentum was starting to flip to the Bruins, but Montreal wanted none of that as Yannick Weber scored with just under three minutes left in the second period giving the Canadians a 3-1 lead in which they would not look back, and held on for the 3-1 win.

Montrael goaltender Carey Price has been outstanding thus far this series only giving up one goal in the two games. He had 35 saves on the night. On the other hand Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas has been shaky all series and that continued Saturday night as he just didn’t and hasn’t looked comfortable in goal. He has been flopping around, ending up on his back a lot and allowing many rebounds not making it any easier on the defense, especially when they were without their best defensemen. The Bruins expected to get better play from Thomas thus far this season and it is a reason why they find themselves down 2-0 in the series.

Boston will head to Montreal for Monday’s game three in desperate need of a win. In order to do so they need to get their captain and leader Chara back on the ice, and they need  to get a better effort from Thomas in net. They are getting a ton of shots on Price, and eventually he will fall and they will be able to beat him. It all starts on the defensive end though, they need to get better on defense and better goaltending before they can worry about scoring goals. They need to get this straightened out quickly because their season could be over before they can even blink.

A busy weekend in Boston sports

This past weekend was a very busy one in the Boston sports world with both the Bruins and Celtics wrapping up their seasons and heading into the playoffs, while the Red Sox came into a weekend series with the Yankees without a win, but took two out of three from their rivals. Here is my take on all three of the teams:

– The Bruins earned the number three seed in the Eastern Conference and will face the number six seeded Montreal Canadians beginning this Thursday at the TD Garden. Personally, I think that this a bad matchup for the Bruins because even if the they can beat the Canadians they are going to get beat up physically and it will have an effect on them for the remainder of the playoffs. With all that has happened between the two teams this season it is sure to be a very intense series, and very emotional on both sides. The Bruins have lost in the Eastern Conference semi-finals each of the last two seasons, and who could not forget last year when they had a 3-0 series lead over the Philadelphia Flyers and a three goal lead on game seven when the Flyers came storming back to advance to the Eastern Conference finals. The Bruins need to prove that they are indeed a legitimate team and that they have the potential to win a Stanley Cup. Anything less than a trip to the Eastern Conference finals would definitely be a disappointment for the black and gold.

– The Celtics traveled to Miami yesterday afternoon to take on the Heat and were blown out 100-77. This was the Heat’s first win over the Celtics this year. Currently the Celtics are the number three seed in the East and if the playoffs were to begin they would be paired up with the New York Knicks. The Celtics only have two games remaining on their schedule (tonight vs. Washington and Wednesday vs. the Knicks), so it is unlikely that much movement in the standings will be made. I believe that the Celtics will be able to get by the Knicks in round one, but then if the standings remain the way they are and things go to plan accordingly in the playoffs the Celtics would get the Heat in round two. I mean eventually they would probably have to face the Heat in order to reach their goal of a championship, but I don’t think that round two is the best time. The Celtics clearly are not the same team since the trading of Kendrick Perkins at the trading deadline. They lack the toughness on the inside, and I believe that management put too much faith into Shaq and his health. Shaq is the oldest player in the NBA and in his attempt to come back from an injury, he strained a muscle within only five minutes of game action. The problem for the Celtics is that with the talent and success that they have had of late, anything less than a championship would be a disappointment. The whole key to the Celtics success is the health and play of the big man Shaq down low. They cannot win without him.

– The Red Sox opened the 2011 season dropping six in a row before taking two of three from the Yankees during the first series at Fenway Park of the year. The Red Sox won their home opener on Friday, despite a rocky start from starter John Lackey. They were led by Dustin Pedrioia’s 3 RBI’s, who basically put the team on his back. They then went on to lose game two on Saturday, but played undoubtedly their best game of the year Sunday (last night) and beat the Yankees 4-0. They finally got a great starting pitching performance from Josh Beckett, who pitched one of his best games as a member of the Red Sox, throwing eight scoreless innings. They finally got a timely hit from Marco Scutaro who had a two-run double with the bases loaded to blow the game open. It is definitely not time to panic with this team, there is simply way too much talent to do so. They are too good. Every team has a hick up during the course of the season, it just happened that the Red Sox had that theres in the first week of the season. Don’t worry Sox fans, everything will be fine.

Masters final round recap

Sunday’s final round was one of the most exciting final rounds in Masters history. Eight players had at least a share of the lead at one point during the round. Watching it you really had no idea who would come out on top, but in the end it was South African Charl Schwartzel who finished at -14 under and won his first green jacket. Here are my thoughts from a wild Sunday at Augusta:

– Schwartzel shot a final round 6-under 66 to win the 2011 Masters. He stayed patient on the back nine and the birdied his final four holes to come out on top. You knew Sunday would be a special day for Schwartzel as he chipped in for birdie from off the first green and then holed out from just over 100 yards for eagle on the third hole.

– Two Australians finished in second at -12 in Adam Scott and Jason Day. Scott actually held a one stroke lead in the final few holes, but Schwartzel was simply outstanding in his final few holes on Sunday. Scott finished with a 5-under 67. Day on the other hand closed with back to back birdies and finished with a final round 4-under 68.

– Tiger Woods came out firing on Sunday’s first nine holes as he played the front nine in 5-under and actually held a share of the lead heading into his final nine on Sunday. Woods played the back nine in even par, and that isn’t going to get it done on a Sunday at the Masters. Woods’ putter let him down again on Sunday as his ball striking was phenomenal, he just couldn’t get anything to drop on the greens He finished at -10, a tie for fourth. Also, at -10 were Luke Donald and Geoff Ogilvy.

– Third round leader Rory McIlroy struggled mightily on Sunday and finished in a tie for 15th as he shot an 80. The wheels fell apart for McIlroy on number 10 as his drive hit a tree and went about 100 yards off the fairway near the cabins along the 10th fairway. After chipping back out to the fairway, his approach sailed left of the green and into the woods. He ended up making a triple bogey 7, and his confidence took a huge hit. He could not get anything going after that, but there is no question the 21 year old will be back, and will win a major championship at some point.

– The 2011 Masters will definitely be remembered for the unforgettable Sunday. The roars kept coming one after another, and  that is what makes the Masters so special. The next major is the US Open and it is set to begin June 16 at Congressional Country Club in Washington DC and the early favorite in my opinion has got to be Tiger Woods.

Masters third round recap

Although scoring conditions seemed ideal like the first two days, the scoring was not as good in Saturday’s third round, especially for those atop the leader board. Saturday at Augusta is known as “moving day”, and there were a few players that did make some  moves up the leader board. Here are a few notes from the third round:

– Rory McIlroy still remains at the top of the leader board. McIlroy actually separated himself from the rest of the field. He stayed patient all day and then turned it on during the back 9 en route to firing a 2-under 70. He sits at -12 and enters the final round with a four stroke lead.

– There is a four-way tie for second place at -8. South African Charl Schwartzel shot a 4-under 68 to get into contention. Former champion Angel Cabrera shot a 5-under 67, and low round of the day to propel himself into contention to perhaps get him his second green jacket. He will be paired with McIlroy in the final pairing on Sunday. Playing with Tiger Woods K.J. Choi put together a solid round of a 1-under 70 and remains in contention. Jason Day who was in the final pairing Saturday with McIlroy had an up and down afternoon, actually holding the lead at one point, shot an even par 72 to remain at -8.

– Tiger Woods fell back in round three. He actually struck the ball very well and looked very in touch with his game, he just couldn’t get anything to fall on the greens. He shot a 2-over 74, and will head into the final round seven shots of McIlroy. Woods has never won a major in which he did not hold at least a share of the lead going into the final round.

– Phil Mickelson couldn’t get anything going on Saturday as he shot a 1-under 71 and sits at -3. He sits 9 shots back and really is out of contention for another green jacket.

– The early stages for the final groups of the final round will be extremely important. One of the guys four or five shots back could go out and be three or four under in the first few holes and really start to put pressure on McIlroy, or McIlroy could get off to a good start of his own and separate himself even more from the field. But, as the old saying goes, the Masters really starts on the back nine on Sunday.

Masters second round recap

Just like day one, scoring conditions were ideal on Friday at Augusta. In fact the scoring average for the field was exactly the same as it was on Thursday. Despite the conditions, Augusta can still yield big numbers on holes if you miss in the wrong spots, but at the same time it can reward players for hitting good shots. Here are a few thoughts from round two at the Masters:

– 21 year-old Rory McIlroy still holds the lead in the first major of 2011. He shot a 3-under 69 on Friday, and will go into the weekend with a two shot lead. Friday’s under par round was a major confidence boost for McIlroy as he held the lead after day one of the British Open last July, but followed that up with a second round 80.

– The low round of the day went to Jason Day who shot a 8-under 64 and is now only two shots behind McIlroy. The two played together the first two days, and will also be in the final pairing on Saturday. Day had eight birdies and zero bogeys. He was very solid, as everything was working for him from tee to green. It will be interesting to see how he follows Friday’s round up on Saturday.

– Don’t look now, but Tiger is on  the prowl. Tiger Woods shot a 6-under 66 and is now only three shots out of the lead going into the weekend. Tiger got off to a rough start, but recovered nicely playing the final 11 holes in seven under par. For the first time in a long time Woods seemed to feel comfortable on the golf course and trust his game. Tiger will be in the second to last pairing on Saturday. He will be paired with K.J. Choi, who is also at seven under par.

– It is a pretty stacked leader board which a bunch of big names within five shots of the lead. Geoff Ogilvy and Alvaro Quiros both are at 6-under, four back. There are a bunch of players five shots back and those include Lee Westwood, Ricky Fowler, Fred Couples and Y.E Yang. Phil Mickelson couldn’t really get anything going on Friday and finished at 2 under, shooting an even par 72 on  the day.

– Some notables to miss the cut of +1 were: Anthony Kim, Zach Johnson, Tim Clark, Retief Goosen, and world number one Martin Kaymer. There are many scenarios where there could be a new number one player by the end of the weekend.

– Saturday is always moving day at the Masters and tomorrow should be no different. Last years Saturday was one of the most exciting in Masters history, with plenty of eagles including Mickelson having two in a row on 13 and 14. All of the players near the top of the leader board want to set themselves up for Sunday’s final round.

– Tomorrow might be most important for Tiger Woods. He has never won a major in which he trailed entering the final round, so if Tiger wants to win then history would show that he needs to go low again tomorrow and be in control of the lead. The one thing  that Woods has as an advantage is he will be in the group right ahead of McIlroy and Day so if Tiger gets hot, they will hear the roars and the pressure would be on.

Masters first round recap

The first round of the 2011 Masters is in the books, and scoring conditions were ideal and some players went quite low. The bright skies, little wind and soft greens all contributed to the idea conditions. Players that went out earlier in the day did have a slim advantage as the wind did start to pick up in little in the afternoon. Here are a few tidbits from round one:

– Rory McIlroy was the story on day one as he went out early and fired a 7 under 65. He did not record a bogey on his card, and if it wasn’t for a few short putt misses, McIlroy could have gone even lower. He is no stranger to having a solid first round in a major as he shot a 63 in last years first round of the British Open. He followed that up with a 2nd round 80. I don’t think he will go that high tomorrow, but it will be interesting to see how he responds to playing in the lead.

– The young-bomber Alvaro Quiros went out in the afternoon and tied McIlroy’s 65. The young Spaniard absolutely smokes the ball off the  tee. If he can keep the ball in play and putt well he could be a factor come the weekend. Tomorrow is a big day for him and he lacks the major championship experience.

–  Defending champion Phil Mickelson shot a 2-under 70. It was an up and down round for Phil as he was inconsistent off the tee which forced him to scramble more than he would have liked. But as usual Mickelson was up for the task and played some great recovery shots. He will go out in the morning tomorrow and has a chance to post a low score and rise his way up the leader board.

– Tiger Woods finished with a one-under 71. It was a pretty solid round for Tiger, who missed a few short putts and had some tough breaks. Afterwards he said it should have been a 68 or 69. As he sits 6 shots off the lead tomorrow is a big day for Tiger as he needs to go fairly low to work his way up the leader board and set himself up for the weekend. Tiger tees off a little before 2 tomorrow, just an hour before ESPN goes on the air so the whole audience will get to see the majority of Tiger’s round live.

– A total of 24 players out of the 99 players in the field were under par for the day. Despite the ideal playing conditions Augusta National is still a very tough golf course and punishes players for missing in the wrong spots. The course should start to firm up and get harder the next three days which should lead to higher scores, but as always at Augusta there is the opportunity there for someone to go very low.