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.

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