Rask, B's must solve close-out woes
May, 24, 2013
May 24
7:47
PM ET
By
Scott Barboza | ESPNBoston.com
BOSTON -- Claude Julien likened the Bruins' performance in Thursday's overtime loss to one of those days at the office you'd like to forget. Maybe you didn't get enough sleep and awoke groggy, dropped your breakfast in your lap and got stuck in a traffic jam -- all before 9 a.m.
"You try, right? You muscle through," Julien said.
The head coach posited that hockey players and hockey games are governed by the same universal laws. Sometimes you get caught out of position, sometimes bounces go the wrong way, et cetera, et cetera.
So is life, right?
"I know you're not always great at your job sometimes," Julien teased reporters to a chorus of laughs after Friday's practice at TD Garden.
We'd all like to think we're better than our worst days, but there's a caveat when exploring such occurrences in regard to the Bruins' recent playoff track record. Those ugly sorts of days have appeared when the Bruins could ill-afford to chalk one up in the postseason -- particularly when playing from ahead in a series.
Including the historic collapse against Philadelphia in 2010, the Bruins have posted a 6-11 record in playoff games in which they can win a series. They are now 1-3 in such instances this year, following Thursday's overtime loss to the Rangers.
The numbers become more alarming when considering just the sample of games in which Tuukka Rask has started in net. Rask carries a 2-8 record in closeout games, as compared to a 12-2 career mark in all other playoff tilts.
Not surprisingly, Rask's vital stats are considerably stronger in non-closeout games. In the 14 non-closeout matchups, he sports a 1.98 goals against average and a .936 save percentage. On the flip side, Rask has a sub-.900 save percentage (.890) with a GAA of 3.20.
As far as Thursday's performance was concerned, Rask called the team's play just "good enough to lose." He added it wasn't anything systemic or that couldn't be fixed.
"It wasn't anything structure-wise or we didn't play our style of hockey, it was just mental breakdowns," Rask said after Friday's skate. "Especially in the playoffs, you can't have those if you want to win."
Maybe it's a lack of a killer instinct, or the other side simply being hungrier; either way, Rask acknowledged his team needs to play to the occasion.
"When teams are facing elimination, it's kind of a screw this, let's go out there and play attitude," Rask said. "Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. We just need to match the desperation level of the team we're facing and not being too tight and squeezing our sticks too tight and just playing the game."
Julien rated Thursday's performance as "OK." He later added that just "OK" isn't enough to win playoff hockey games.
On the other hand, Rask looked past Thursday's shortcomings.
"If you don't look at those mistakes, it was a pretty decent game," he added.
He's right -- to an extent. But the difference comes in the follow-up. There's a big difference between letting a sliver of light through a cracked door for a team that looked lifeless. It's an entirely other thing to let that team come barging through.
Been there, done that.
"A lot our play was just OK," Julien said, "so we need to be good. That's what we're aiming for tomorrow. We've proven along the series that we can be good and consistent.
"We've just got to be good and bounce back tomorrow."
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Bruce Bennett/Getty ImagesTuukka Rask gets another chance to burnish his playoff credentials in Game 5.
Bruce Bennett/Getty ImagesTuukka Rask gets another chance to burnish his playoff credentials in Game 5.The head coach posited that hockey players and hockey games are governed by the same universal laws. Sometimes you get caught out of position, sometimes bounces go the wrong way, et cetera, et cetera.
So is life, right?
"I know you're not always great at your job sometimes," Julien teased reporters to a chorus of laughs after Friday's practice at TD Garden.
We'd all like to think we're better than our worst days, but there's a caveat when exploring such occurrences in regard to the Bruins' recent playoff track record. Those ugly sorts of days have appeared when the Bruins could ill-afford to chalk one up in the postseason -- particularly when playing from ahead in a series.
Including the historic collapse against Philadelphia in 2010, the Bruins have posted a 6-11 record in playoff games in which they can win a series. They are now 1-3 in such instances this year, following Thursday's overtime loss to the Rangers.
The numbers become more alarming when considering just the sample of games in which Tuukka Rask has started in net. Rask carries a 2-8 record in closeout games, as compared to a 12-2 career mark in all other playoff tilts.
Not surprisingly, Rask's vital stats are considerably stronger in non-closeout games. In the 14 non-closeout matchups, he sports a 1.98 goals against average and a .936 save percentage. On the flip side, Rask has a sub-.900 save percentage (.890) with a GAA of 3.20.
As far as Thursday's performance was concerned, Rask called the team's play just "good enough to lose." He added it wasn't anything systemic or that couldn't be fixed.
"It wasn't anything structure-wise or we didn't play our style of hockey, it was just mental breakdowns," Rask said after Friday's skate. "Especially in the playoffs, you can't have those if you want to win."
Maybe it's a lack of a killer instinct, or the other side simply being hungrier; either way, Rask acknowledged his team needs to play to the occasion.
"When teams are facing elimination, it's kind of a screw this, let's go out there and play attitude," Rask said. "Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. We just need to match the desperation level of the team we're facing and not being too tight and squeezing our sticks too tight and just playing the game."
Julien rated Thursday's performance as "OK." He later added that just "OK" isn't enough to win playoff hockey games.
On the other hand, Rask looked past Thursday's shortcomings.
"If you don't look at those mistakes, it was a pretty decent game," he added.
He's right -- to an extent. But the difference comes in the follow-up. There's a big difference between letting a sliver of light through a cracked door for a team that looked lifeless. It's an entirely other thing to let that team come barging through.
Been there, done that.
"A lot our play was just OK," Julien said, "so we need to be good. That's what we're aiming for tomorrow. We've proven along the series that we can be good and consistent.
"We've just got to be good and bounce back tomorrow."
Seidenberg eager for the green light
May, 24, 2013
May 24
4:52
PM ET
By
Scott Barboza | ESPNBoston.com
BOSTON -- When asked whether he’d be back in the lineup for Saturday’s Game 5 against the New York Rangers, Bruins defenseman Dennis Seidenberg responded with the equivalent of: Talk to the man in charge.
If he was cleared to be back, he would have played in Thursday’s Game 4 overtime loss at Madison Square Garden. But the past is past, and the Bruins move on to another chance at closing out their Eastern Conference semifinal series.
“Before I make any decisions, I have to talk to them first,” Seidenberg (lower-body injury) said of his status.
He then added, “Nobody likes watching hockey games, especially this time of year.”
Perhaps the urgency for the defenseman’s return was exacerbated by some uncharacteristic defensive (and mental) gaffes exhibited in Game 4, as the Rangers came back from a 2-0 deficit to live another day.
However, Seidenberg was adamant that no external circumstances would change the timetable of his return.
“I wanted to come back last night, too, but you have to be smart about what you’re doing with whatever damage has occurred,” said Seidenberg, who hasn’t skated since being injured on his first shift of Game 7 of the quarterfinals against the Maple Leafs. “You don’t want to put the whole playoffs in jeopardy. You have to be smart about it and come back at the right time.”
Seidenberg again skated with the team in a brief (25 minutes) but spirited session at TD Garden on Friday, as did Wade Redden (undisclosed). Seidenberg noticeably moved easier as the workout elapsed. "When you get warm, the muscles seem to work better with a knee, or whatever it is,” he said.
On Thursday night, all he could do was watch.
“We knew we played a good game [with] a couple of hiccups there. But for the most part, I think we got pucks to the net and had quite a few chances, especially on the power play,” he said.
He also lent credit to rookie defenseman Dougie Hamilton, who was on the ice for Boxford-bred Chris Kreider’s overtime game winner. Hamilton came down hard on himself postgame.
“We’ve all been in that situation,” Seidenberg said. “He’s a good player, he played well. He made a very nice pass on Tyler’s [Seguin] goal. He doesn’t need to get down on himself if something like that happens. I’m sure he’ll get over it and he’ll come out even stronger.”
Coach Claude Julien was also quick to applaud Hamilton’s accountability following Thursday night’s loss.
“They’re not afraid to say, 'Well, I made a mistake,'" Julien said in a press conference following Friday’s skate.
On Hamilton’s play, he added, “We’ve played four games in the series, and then you look at one goal and do you jump all over him for that? Or do you give him a pat on the back for everything he’s done so far in the series and us being up 3-1?
“I think it’s more of that.”
So the next logical question begs, if Seidenberg is ready to go, who’s the odd man out?
“We’ll just try to stay in the moment and win the next one,” Seidenberg said.
If he was cleared to be back, he would have played in Thursday’s Game 4 overtime loss at Madison Square Garden. But the past is past, and the Bruins move on to another chance at closing out their Eastern Conference semifinal series.
“Before I make any decisions, I have to talk to them first,” Seidenberg (lower-body injury) said of his status.
He then added, “Nobody likes watching hockey games, especially this time of year.”
Perhaps the urgency for the defenseman’s return was exacerbated by some uncharacteristic defensive (and mental) gaffes exhibited in Game 4, as the Rangers came back from a 2-0 deficit to live another day.
However, Seidenberg was adamant that no external circumstances would change the timetable of his return.
“I wanted to come back last night, too, but you have to be smart about what you’re doing with whatever damage has occurred,” said Seidenberg, who hasn’t skated since being injured on his first shift of Game 7 of the quarterfinals against the Maple Leafs. “You don’t want to put the whole playoffs in jeopardy. You have to be smart about it and come back at the right time.”
Seidenberg again skated with the team in a brief (25 minutes) but spirited session at TD Garden on Friday, as did Wade Redden (undisclosed). Seidenberg noticeably moved easier as the workout elapsed. "When you get warm, the muscles seem to work better with a knee, or whatever it is,” he said.
On Thursday night, all he could do was watch.
“We knew we played a good game [with] a couple of hiccups there. But for the most part, I think we got pucks to the net and had quite a few chances, especially on the power play,” he said.
He also lent credit to rookie defenseman Dougie Hamilton, who was on the ice for Boxford-bred Chris Kreider’s overtime game winner. Hamilton came down hard on himself postgame.
“We’ve all been in that situation,” Seidenberg said. “He’s a good player, he played well. He made a very nice pass on Tyler’s [Seguin] goal. He doesn’t need to get down on himself if something like that happens. I’m sure he’ll get over it and he’ll come out even stronger.”
Coach Claude Julien was also quick to applaud Hamilton’s accountability following Thursday night’s loss.
“They’re not afraid to say, 'Well, I made a mistake,'" Julien said in a press conference following Friday’s skate.
On Hamilton’s play, he added, “We’ve played four games in the series, and then you look at one goal and do you jump all over him for that? Or do you give him a pat on the back for everything he’s done so far in the series and us being up 3-1?
“I think it’s more of that.”
So the next logical question begs, if Seidenberg is ready to go, who’s the odd man out?
“We’ll just try to stay in the moment and win the next one,” Seidenberg said.
The Bruins blew two leads and allowed the Rangers to live another day with a 4-3 overtime loss in Game 4 on Thursday night. Here are three takeaways from what could have been a sweeping success for the Bruins had they put away the Rangers.
Bruins never make it easy -- In their past 17 chances to close out a series, the Bruins have won just six. In the opening round of the playoffs, the Bruins had a 3-1 series lead over the Maple Leafs and allowed them to not only force a Game 7 but also take a 4-1 lead in the third period of the decisive game before finally waking up and pulling off their amazing comeback, winning 5-4 in overtime. One would have thought the Bruins had learned a lesson to never underestimate their opponent or get comfortable. They didn't exactly show it in this game, again failing to put away a down-and-out opponent. The Bruins outshot the Rangers 12-4 in the first period but the game was still scoreless. They then blew a 2-0 lead and a 3-2 lead before Chris Kreider's overtime goal. Are we in for another nerve-wracking series, or will this Bruins squad wake up earlier than it did in Round 1? We'll find out Saturday.
Seguin's hard work finally pays off -- Tyler Seguin scored his first goal of the playoffs in Game 4 and added an assist. His celebration after the third-period goal was a sign of his throwing that proverbial monkey off his back and, he hopes, of things to come. Seguin entered Game 4 with just one assist in 10 playoff games. The assist came on Patrice Bergeron's overtime winner in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals, and although he had not registered a point since, he had been doing everything but getting on the score sheet. He has played among the most physical hockey of his career and is doing the little things that should lead to goals. In Game 4, his hard work finally paid off, but he also should be applauded for his persistence and determination.
Power play keeps improving -- Power-play goals by Torey Krug and Nathan Horton in the second period were the latest examples of how much better the Bruins are moving the puck and creating chances on the man-advantage. That momentum has carried into 5-on-5 play as well. In Game 1, a solid performance on the man-advantage that didn't yield a goal led to better 5-on-5 play and eventually Brad Marchand's game winner. Now the improved power play not only is generating momentum, but is generating goals, which could be a huge factor going forward.
Game 4 Reaction: Rangers 4, Bruins 3
May, 23, 2013
May 23
10:13
PM ET
By
Joe McDonald | ESPNBoston.com
NEW YORK -- The New York Rangers staved off elimination with a 4-3 overtime win over the Boston Bruins in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series Thursday night at Madison Square Garden.
The Rangers’ Chris Kreider scored the winning goal at 7:03 of the extra period.

The Bruins had an excellent chance to close out the series but surrendered a two-goal lead and could not recover from a few mental miscues. The Bruins are 3-1 in OT this postseason and the Rangers are 1-3 in the extra period.
The Rangers got goals from Carl Hagelin, Derek Stepan, Brian Boyle and Kreider while goaltender Henrik Lundqvist made 37 saves.
Boston’s power play delivered its offensive production as Nathan Horton and Torey Krug scored on the man advantage. The Bruins’ Tyler Seguin also tallied his first goal of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Boston netminder Tuukka Rask made 28 saves.
During a scoreless first period, it took the Rangers the first 6:36 before they registered a shot.
The Bruins, who entered the second period 4-for-26 on the power play during the playoffs, capitalized on the man advantage twice in the second period. First, Horton’s shot found its way through the five-hole on Lundqvist for a 1-0 lead at 4:39.
The Bruins again took advantage of the power play when Krug’s sniper-like slap shot from the point picked the top right corner for a 2-0 lead at 7:41.
With the Bruins holding a two-goal lead, MSG was a quiet building. That changed when Hagelin scored at 8:39 as the puck trickled past a sprawling Rask, who tried to recover after tripping over his own feet.
Numerous Bruins players were complaining about the ice after Game 3 and that could have been a factor as Rask appeared to catch a rut when he fell, allowing the puck to roll past him. Either way, the MSG crowd and the Rangers were given life on the goal.
But Rask remained calm and the second period ended with Boston clinging to a 2-1 lead.
Rask didn’t help his cause as the Rangers tied it at 2-2 only 1:15 into the third period. Boston’s goalie went behind the net to control the puck for defenseman Zdeno Chara, but Rask was slow in getting back into his crease and setting himself as Stepan stole the puck from Chara and scored with a wrap-around.
Seguin scored his first of the playoffs at 8:06 of the third period by not giving up on his shot. He was rewarded for his secondary effort to give the Bruins a 3-2 lead.
It didn’t last, however, as the Rangers capitalized on a Bruins too-many-men penalty when Boyle beat Rask with a shot from the slot to tie the game 3-3 at 10:00.
Kreider’s overtime tally at 7:03 forced Game 5, which will be played Saturday at 5:30 p.m. ET at TD Garden.
Julien not worried about Rangers' moves
May, 23, 2013
May 23
1:16
PM ET
By
Joe McDonald | ESPNBoston.com
NEW YORK -- Boston Bruins coach Claude Julien and New York Rangers coach John Tortorella were both focused and brief during their respective media sessions Thursday morning as the teams prepare for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series at Madison Square Garden.
When Tortorella entered the press room here, there were two questions asked, and the session lasted exactly 19 seconds. The second of two questions was related to the message he gives his team since it is facing elimination.
“I’ve talked to them. I don’t need to talk about it here,” Tortorella said, and then he exited stage right.
Julien was all business, too. He was asked what his team needs to do in order to close out the series.
“We’re here to win a hockey game tonight,” Julien said. “We’re going to do whatever it takes.”
Tortorella is making changes to his lineup for Game 4, and he notified veteran forward Brad Richards that he will be a healthy scratch. Arron Asham will also be a healthy scratch for the Rangers.
Julien was asked how the Bruins will respond to New York’s changes.
“It doesn’t matter to me,” Julien said.
Boston’s game plan remains the same as it was in the first three games of this series. The Bruins will attempt to wreak havoc in front of Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist with traffic, screens and shots from the point. Boston also realizes a strong start is the key.
“As important as it’s been every game,” Julien said. “Whether it’s home or away, you either get the crowd in or you get the crowd out, so that’s not going to change.
Bruins defensemen Dennis Seidenberg and Wade Redden participated again in the team’s morning skate, but Julien wouldn’t disclose whether either one would be ready for Game 4.
“Our lineup will be on the ice in the warm-up tonight, and that’s all I’m going to say about that,” Julien said.
When Tortorella entered the press room here, there were two questions asked, and the session lasted exactly 19 seconds. The second of two questions was related to the message he gives his team since it is facing elimination.
“I’ve talked to them. I don’t need to talk about it here,” Tortorella said, and then he exited stage right.
Julien was all business, too. He was asked what his team needs to do in order to close out the series.
“We’re here to win a hockey game tonight,” Julien said. “We’re going to do whatever it takes.”
Tortorella is making changes to his lineup for Game 4, and he notified veteran forward Brad Richards that he will be a healthy scratch. Arron Asham will also be a healthy scratch for the Rangers.
Julien was asked how the Bruins will respond to New York’s changes.
“It doesn’t matter to me,” Julien said.
Boston’s game plan remains the same as it was in the first three games of this series. The Bruins will attempt to wreak havoc in front of Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist with traffic, screens and shots from the point. Boston also realizes a strong start is the key.
“As important as it’s been every game,” Julien said. “Whether it’s home or away, you either get the crowd in or you get the crowd out, so that’s not going to change.
Bruins defensemen Dennis Seidenberg and Wade Redden participated again in the team’s morning skate, but Julien wouldn’t disclose whether either one would be ready for Game 4.
“Our lineup will be on the ice in the warm-up tonight, and that’s all I’m going to say about that,” Julien said.
Richards a healthy scratch for Rangers
May, 23, 2013
May 23
1:15
PM ET
By Katie Strang, ESPNNewYork.com
NEW YORK -- Veteran center and alternate captain Brad Richards will be a healthy scratch Thursday night as the Rangers face elimination against the Boston Bruins in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Richards, who stayed on the ice late with the rest of the scratches during the team's optional morning skate, told reporters that coach John Tortorella called him to tell him the news Thursday morning.
"I don't know if 'surprised' is the right word, just disappointed," Richards said with an air of dejection.
The 33-year-old Richards, who signed a nine-year, $60 million deal in July 2011, and Tortorella won a Stanley Cup together in 2004 while with the Tampa Bay Lightning. In that run to the Cup, Richards won the Conn Smythe Trophy as most valuable player in the postseason.
The embattled forward has struggled mightily throughout this season, enduring demotions and diminished ice time as a result of poor performance. Most recently, he was relegated to the fourth line with wingers Chris Kreider and Arron Asham. In Game 3 against Boston, he received just 8 minutes, 10 seconds of ice time, only 5:58 of which came even strength.
Asked if it was hard to be effective in that role, Richards quickly interjected "Yes."
Richards, who stayed on the ice late with the rest of the scratches during the team's optional morning skate, told reporters that coach John Tortorella called him to tell him the news Thursday morning.
"I don't know if 'surprised' is the right word, just disappointed," Richards said with an air of dejection.
The 33-year-old Richards, who signed a nine-year, $60 million deal in July 2011, and Tortorella won a Stanley Cup together in 2004 while with the Tampa Bay Lightning. In that run to the Cup, Richards won the Conn Smythe Trophy as most valuable player in the postseason.
The embattled forward has struggled mightily throughout this season, enduring demotions and diminished ice time as a result of poor performance. Most recently, he was relegated to the fourth line with wingers Chris Kreider and Arron Asham. In Game 3 against Boston, he received just 8 minutes, 10 seconds of ice time, only 5:58 of which came even strength.
Asked if it was hard to be effective in that role, Richards quickly interjected "Yes."
Henrik: B's getting 'some lucky bounces'
May, 23, 2013
May 23
1:06
PM ET
By
Joe McDonald | ESPNBoston.com
NEW YORK -- With a chance to eliminate the New York Rangers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals Thursday night, the Boston Bruins probably didn’t need any added motivation. Nevertheless, they might have gotten it from New York goalie Henrik Lundqvist.
“I’ve looked at a few games and they definitely got some lucky bounces,” Lundqvist said Thursday morning. “Last game I blame the loss on lucky bounces, but they haven’t changed the way they’re playing. They shoot from the point and they get a lot of people in front of the net. That’s what they do and they’re good at it. You just have to play them hard and make sure we make it tough for them to get in front.”
There was at least one bounce that didn’t go Boston’s way in Game 3, which was won by Boston, 2-1, when a Shawn Thornton shot got behind Lundqvist in the crease but didn’t cross the line. Daniel Paille, however, soon rectified that by coming from behind the net to knock it in.
Lundqvist’s comments drew a smile from Bruins forward Milan Lucic.
“When you work hard and you put the time in sometimes you get rewarded by being lucky,” Lucic said. “The old saying: You’ve got to be lucky to be good. Good to be lucky.”
The Bruins, who are up 3-0 in the series, have outscored the Rangers 10-5 in the first three games, including a 5-2 win in Game 2. It was the first time since March 9, 2011 (a span of 151 games) that Lundqvist allowed more than four goals in a single game.
After that game, and throughout the series for that matter, Rangers coach John Tortorella backed his goalie.
"I don't need to evaluate Henrik," he said at the time. "We know what Henrik is."
Boston’s game plan from the start of this series has been to create traffic in front of the reigning Vezina Trophy winner to make it more difficult for him to see shots.
“They go hard to the net, that’s what they do,” Lundqvist said. “That’s how they’ve played. The put pucks on the net and they create chances from rebounds and screens and deflections. They play the same way all the time and we’re going to have to stop it tonight if we want to keep playing.”
“I’ve looked at a few games and they definitely got some lucky bounces,” Lundqvist said Thursday morning. “Last game I blame the loss on lucky bounces, but they haven’t changed the way they’re playing. They shoot from the point and they get a lot of people in front of the net. That’s what they do and they’re good at it. You just have to play them hard and make sure we make it tough for them to get in front.”
There was at least one bounce that didn’t go Boston’s way in Game 3, which was won by Boston, 2-1, when a Shawn Thornton shot got behind Lundqvist in the crease but didn’t cross the line. Daniel Paille, however, soon rectified that by coming from behind the net to knock it in.
Lundqvist’s comments drew a smile from Bruins forward Milan Lucic.
“When you work hard and you put the time in sometimes you get rewarded by being lucky,” Lucic said. “The old saying: You’ve got to be lucky to be good. Good to be lucky.”
The Bruins, who are up 3-0 in the series, have outscored the Rangers 10-5 in the first three games, including a 5-2 win in Game 2. It was the first time since March 9, 2011 (a span of 151 games) that Lundqvist allowed more than four goals in a single game.
After that game, and throughout the series for that matter, Rangers coach John Tortorella backed his goalie.
"I don't need to evaluate Henrik," he said at the time. "We know what Henrik is."
Boston’s game plan from the start of this series has been to create traffic in front of the reigning Vezina Trophy winner to make it more difficult for him to see shots.
“They go hard to the net, that’s what they do,” Lundqvist said. “That’s how they’ve played. The put pucks on the net and they create chances from rebounds and screens and deflections. They play the same way all the time and we’re going to have to stop it tonight if we want to keep playing.”
Barry Melrose and Steve Levy assess the Bruins-Rangers series entering Game 4, a possible closeout game for the Bruins.
Not surprisingly, Melrose is bullish on the B's with high praise for the young defensemen filling in on the blue line. He also says the Bruins aren't going to take this game for granted, with their 2010 collapse against the Flyers in mind, and suggests goalie Henrik Lundqvist may have to pitch a shutout for the Rangers to win.
Julien: Ference 'improving,' still not skating
May, 22, 2013
May 22
5:55
PM ET
By
Joe McDonald | ESPNBoston.com
NEW YORK -- While injured Boston Bruins defensemen Dennis Seidenberg (lower body) and Wade Redden (undisclosed) have been skating with the team in hopes of returning to the lineup in the near future, fellow blueliner Andrew Ference hasn't been able to skate.
"He's doing OK. He's improving," said Bruins coach Claude Julien. "Although you haven't seen him on the ice, he's better. I haven't talked to our trainers about a return date to the ice but I think it's getting closer all the time."
The veteran defenseman suffered a lower-body injury in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinal series against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
"He's doing OK. He's improving," said Bruins coach Claude Julien. "Although you haven't seen him on the ice, he's better. I haven't talked to our trainers about a return date to the ice but I think it's getting closer all the time."
The veteran defenseman suffered a lower-body injury in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinal series against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Julien: Learn from past; live in moment
May, 22, 2013
May 22
4:47
PM ET
By
Joe McDonald | ESPNBoston.com
NEW YORK -- The Boston Bruins hold a commanding 3-0 series lead over the New York Rangers in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinals and have a chance to close it out with a win in Game 4 Thursday night at Madison Square Garden.
This marks the 19th time the organization has held a 3-0 series lead; they are 13-5 in Game 4s in that situation. They’ve gone on to win 17 of the 18 series; the one outlier was the debacle against the Philadelphia Flyers in 2010 (we’ll spare you the details).
This season, the Bruins held a 3-1 series lead on the Toronto Maple Leafs and needed seven games to advance to the semifinals against the Rangers. Since winning the Cup in 2011, the Bruins are 1-3 in games in which they can eliminate an opponent, so it’s fair to question whether they have that killer instinct.
Coach Claude Julien, of course, doesn’t see it that way.
“We live in the moment. You learn from the past, but you live in the moment and not live in the past,” Julien said. “Right now we’re living in the moment and I like where our team is right now -- the attitude, the approach. We’re certainly not looking at it the way all the people are going to look at it and find reasons to give New York some hope and say ‘these guys have had trouble doing this.’ We’re certainly not going there. We’re looking at the present right now and the present is getting prepared to play a real good game [Thursday] kind of like the game we played [Tuesday].”
A series sweep would give a banged-up Bruins team time to rest before the Eastern Conference finals, but they’re not looking that far ahead.
“That would be nice, but we know and we’ve learned as a team that the last one is the hardest in past years, even the last series,” said Bruins forward David Krejci. “We’ve got to get ready for tomorrow and play it just like a Game 1.
“They lost three games, so they’re going to change something up and we expect that. All we can do is focus on ourselves and our game and not worry too much about what they’re going to bring [Thursday].”
This marks the 19th time the organization has held a 3-0 series lead; they are 13-5 in Game 4s in that situation. They’ve gone on to win 17 of the 18 series; the one outlier was the debacle against the Philadelphia Flyers in 2010 (we’ll spare you the details).
This season, the Bruins held a 3-1 series lead on the Toronto Maple Leafs and needed seven games to advance to the semifinals against the Rangers. Since winning the Cup in 2011, the Bruins are 1-3 in games in which they can eliminate an opponent, so it’s fair to question whether they have that killer instinct.
Coach Claude Julien, of course, doesn’t see it that way.
“We live in the moment. You learn from the past, but you live in the moment and not live in the past,” Julien said. “Right now we’re living in the moment and I like where our team is right now -- the attitude, the approach. We’re certainly not looking at it the way all the people are going to look at it and find reasons to give New York some hope and say ‘these guys have had trouble doing this.’ We’re certainly not going there. We’re looking at the present right now and the present is getting prepared to play a real good game [Thursday] kind of like the game we played [Tuesday].”
A series sweep would give a banged-up Bruins team time to rest before the Eastern Conference finals, but they’re not looking that far ahead.
“That would be nice, but we know and we’ve learned as a team that the last one is the hardest in past years, even the last series,” said Bruins forward David Krejci. “We’ve got to get ready for tomorrow and play it just like a Game 1.
“They lost three games, so they’re going to change something up and we expect that. All we can do is focus on ourselves and our game and not worry too much about what they’re going to bring [Thursday].”
The Bruins took a commanding 3-0 lead in their Eastern Conference semifinals series with the Rangers, winning Game 3 at Madison Square Garden 2-1 Tuesday night. Here are three thoughts on why the Bruins are suddenly on the verge of sweeping the Rangers and advancing to the Eastern Conference finals for the second time in three seasons:
Bruins' fourth line is a third line on most teams. Many fans and NHL media questioned when Bruins coach Claude Julien decided to sit then-rookie Tyler Seguin for Game 3 of the 2011 Stanley Cup finals in favor of veteran winger Shawn Thornton. But after Thornton went out and played a momentum-changing shift to start that game -- even challenging the Canucks' bench -- and the Bruins went on to win that game convincingly en route to their first Stanley Cup in 39 seasons, there hasn't been much second-guessing.
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Bruce Bennett/Getty ImagesJohnny Boychuk (center) celebrates with Shawn Thornton and Daniel Paille after scoring a big third-period goal to tie the game.
Bruce Bennett/Getty ImagesJohnny Boychuk (center) celebrates with Shawn Thornton and Daniel Paille after scoring a big third-period goal to tie the game.
This line helped produce Johnny Boychuk's game-winning goal in Game 2 with another high-energy shift that kept the Rangers pinned in their own zone. In Game 3, the line did it again on Boychuk's game-tying goal and then Paille lit the lamp, scoring what proved to be the game winner 16:29 into the third period. This line continues to reward Julien's faith and reward their teammates with another chance to win the Cup.
Rask helps turn momentum again. While he didn't face many shots after the first period or even after the Rangers scored their first goal, Tuukka Rask was a main reason the Bruins were trailing only 1-0 early in the second period. Rask stopped all 11 shots by the Rangers in that opening frame, with many of them coming off odd-man rushes or prime scoring chances in front. The Bruins seemed to be on their heels a bit in the opening frame as they tried to withstand the Rangers' initial surge. But Rask, as he has so many times in the playoffs and the regular season, stemmed the momentum and set up the Bruins for a chance to change the pace of the game. Rask faced only 13 shots in the final two periods, but his first-period performance helped the Bruins find their stride.
Johnny Rocket firing on all cylinders. After scoring just one goal in 44 regular-season games, Boychuk is finding the twine in the playoffs with his rocket shot. After scoring the game winner in Game 2, Boychuk tied Game 3 at one goal apiece 3:10 into the third period and now has two goals in as many games and four in the playoffs.
After Game 2, Boychuk was asked what the difference is in the playoffs and why he's starting to score more. "I'm hitting the net," the rugged defenseman said with a smile. But all kidding aside, Boychuk is reading the play and picking his spots better when he shoots. There's no doubt that, next to Zdeno Chara, he has the hardest shot on the team, but now that shot is smarter and it's paying big dividends for him and the Bruins.
Game 3 Reaction: Bruins 2, Rangers 1
May, 21, 2013
May 21
10:27
PM ET
By
Joe McDonald | ESPNBoston.com
NEW YORK -- The Boston Bruins took a commanding 3-0 series lead with a 2-1 victory over the New York Rangers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden.

The Bruins erased a 1-0 deficit and scored two unanswered goals en route to the win. Boston’s Daniel Paille scored the game-winning goal at 16:29 of the third period. In fact, the Bruins’ energy line of Paille, Shawn Thornton and Gregory Paille produced both goals for Boston in Game 3.
Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuk also scored for Boston, while goaltender Tuukka Rask made 23 saves.
Taylor Pyatt scored for the Rangers, and goaltender Henrik Lundqvist made 32 saves.
Both teams knew a strong start would be key, and the Bruins were able to create that early pressure. In fact, it took the Rangers a minute and a half to get the puck in the Bruins’ zone.
It was also evident early that Lundqvist returned to form. The Bruins had two quality chances in the first period, but Lundqvist made two big saves. First, he stoned Boston’s Tyler Seguin on a breakaway at 11:15, and then closed the door on Jaromir Jagr on the next scoring chance. Lundqvist made a total of nine saves in the first period and kept the Rangers in the game.
While Lundqvist remained locked in, the Rangers gained a 1-0 lead in the second period when Pyatt redirected a shot past Rask at 3:53. New York capitalized on a rare miscue by Patrice Bergeron. After he first lost the draw to the right of Rask, he had an opportunity to clear the puck but handed the puck right to New York defenseman Ryan McDonagh, whose wrister from the point was redirected by Pyatt.
After the Rangers’ tally, the Bruins began a strong push but every opportunity they created Lundqvist was there to make the save.
The Bruins’ Gregory Campbell had a slap shot from point-blank range when he teed one up from the left faceoff circle, but Lundqvist snared it with a tremendous glove save at 11:36 of the period.
Two minutes later, the Bruins created sustained pressure with the help of a solid forecheck by Milan Lucic. Linemate Nathan Horton collected the puck and rang a shot off the right post at 13:26.
The second period ended with New York clinging to a one-goal lead thanks Lundqvist, but Boston outshot New York 14-6 in second.
The Bruins kept their push on and were rewarded for their efforts. Boston’s energy line was able to sustain a tight forecheck when rookie defenseman Matt Bartkowski pinched to keep the puck in the Rangers’ zone. Bruins forward Daniel Paille fed the puck back to the point for Boychuk. With Campbell and Shawn Thornton creating traffic in front of Lundqvist, Boychuk’s wrister from the left point found its way through to tie the game at 3:10 of the third. The tally was Boychuk’s fourth of the playoffs.
Boston’s energy line created another relentless forecheck that resulted in Paille’s game-winning goal.
UP NEXT: The Bruins have a chance to end this series with a victory in Game 4 Thursday night at 7 at MSG.

The Bruins erased a 1-0 deficit and scored two unanswered goals en route to the win. Boston’s Daniel Paille scored the game-winning goal at 16:29 of the third period. In fact, the Bruins’ energy line of Paille, Shawn Thornton and Gregory Paille produced both goals for Boston in Game 3.
Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuk also scored for Boston, while goaltender Tuukka Rask made 23 saves.
Taylor Pyatt scored for the Rangers, and goaltender Henrik Lundqvist made 32 saves.
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Bruce Bennett/Getty ImagesRangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist shut down the Bruins for more than two periods before a Johnny Boychuk wrister slipped through at 3:10 of the third.
Bruce Bennett/Getty ImagesRangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist shut down the Bruins for more than two periods before a Johnny Boychuk wrister slipped through at 3:10 of the third. It was also evident early that Lundqvist returned to form. The Bruins had two quality chances in the first period, but Lundqvist made two big saves. First, he stoned Boston’s Tyler Seguin on a breakaway at 11:15, and then closed the door on Jaromir Jagr on the next scoring chance. Lundqvist made a total of nine saves in the first period and kept the Rangers in the game.
While Lundqvist remained locked in, the Rangers gained a 1-0 lead in the second period when Pyatt redirected a shot past Rask at 3:53. New York capitalized on a rare miscue by Patrice Bergeron. After he first lost the draw to the right of Rask, he had an opportunity to clear the puck but handed the puck right to New York defenseman Ryan McDonagh, whose wrister from the point was redirected by Pyatt.
After the Rangers’ tally, the Bruins began a strong push but every opportunity they created Lundqvist was there to make the save.
The Bruins’ Gregory Campbell had a slap shot from point-blank range when he teed one up from the left faceoff circle, but Lundqvist snared it with a tremendous glove save at 11:36 of the period.
Two minutes later, the Bruins created sustained pressure with the help of a solid forecheck by Milan Lucic. Linemate Nathan Horton collected the puck and rang a shot off the right post at 13:26.
The second period ended with New York clinging to a one-goal lead thanks Lundqvist, but Boston outshot New York 14-6 in second.
The Bruins kept their push on and were rewarded for their efforts. Boston’s energy line was able to sustain a tight forecheck when rookie defenseman Matt Bartkowski pinched to keep the puck in the Rangers’ zone. Bruins forward Daniel Paille fed the puck back to the point for Boychuk. With Campbell and Shawn Thornton creating traffic in front of Lundqvist, Boychuk’s wrister from the left point found its way through to tie the game at 3:10 of the third. The tally was Boychuk’s fourth of the playoffs.
Boston’s energy line created another relentless forecheck that resulted in Paille’s game-winning goal.
UP NEXT: The Bruins have a chance to end this series with a victory in Game 4 Thursday night at 7 at MSG.
Neither Wade Redden (undisclosed injury) nor Dennis Seidenberg (lower body) was on the ice for the Bruins' pregame skate Tuesday night, and it appears coach Claude Julien will go with the same, young lineup for Game 3 against the Rangers.
Seidenberg suffered a lower-body injury during his first shift of Game 7 against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He attempted another shift but lasted only six seconds on the ice. He remained on the bench for the first and second periods, taking an occasional twirl during TV timeouts, but finally decided to shut it down during the second intermission of that game after the pain would not subside.
While Seidenberg and fellow defensemen Redden and Andrew Ference (lower body) have been sidelined with injuries, rookies Matt Bartkowski, Torey Krug and Dougie Hamilton have played well in the veterans’ absence.
Tuukka Rask led the team out on the ice at Madison Square Garden and will start Game 3, opposite Henrik Lundqvist for the Rangers.
Seidenberg suffered a lower-body injury during his first shift of Game 7 against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He attempted another shift but lasted only six seconds on the ice. He remained on the bench for the first and second periods, taking an occasional twirl during TV timeouts, but finally decided to shut it down during the second intermission of that game after the pain would not subside.
While Seidenberg and fellow defensemen Redden and Andrew Ference (lower body) have been sidelined with injuries, rookies Matt Bartkowski, Torey Krug and Dougie Hamilton have played well in the veterans’ absence.
Tuukka Rask led the team out on the ice at Madison Square Garden and will start Game 3, opposite Henrik Lundqvist for the Rangers.
NEW YORK -- Nearly two hours after the Boston Bruins gained a 2-0 lead in this Eastern Conference semifinal series against the New York Rangers Sunday night at TD Garden, Bruins veteran forward Jaromir Jagr was on the ice skating all by himself.
The rink was dimly lit, but the 41-year-old future Hall of Famer was on the ice with no nets. He was wearing a weighted vest and weights on his skates. He was skating hard and stick handling. During one of his breaks, a reporter asked him if this is something he does often.
“My entire career,” he said.
Jagr logged a total of 12:16 of ice time during Game 2 while playing on the team’s second line with Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand.
“You have to let Jaromir take care of Jaromir because he knows his body and he knows himself,” said Bruins coach Claude Julien. “Right now it’s about guys feeling good about themselves and whatever it takes, it takes. I’m going to give days off when I feel it’s needed and this morning is an optional and [Jagr] isn’t out there, so he’s saving it for tonight.
“I have no issues with that. He’s done that his whole career and certainly not going to stop him at this stage. Let him do what he has to do. He’s a guy who demands a lot of himself and he’s been a good asset to us. Our second line started producing when he got there and sometimes it’s about a guy having so much respect from other teams, there’s more room for other guys and they’re making plays. So even if he’s not on the score sheet, or you don’t see him score those goals, he has an impact. He’s been a real good addition.”
Marchand and the rest of the Bruins have been impressed with the veteran’s work ethic.
“He’s one of the best players to ever play the game and he still continues to show why,” Marchand said. “He’s done so well and works so hard on his game, on and off the ice, we see it in the gym, we see it in practice. He’s a treat to watch and us young guys can learn a lot from him.”
Marchand was then asked if he could practice only a few hours after a playoff game.
“I don’t want to do that,” Marchand said with a laugh. “Maybe when I’m a little older I may need to do that but I’ll stay away from that right now.”
The rink was dimly lit, but the 41-year-old future Hall of Famer was on the ice with no nets. He was wearing a weighted vest and weights on his skates. He was skating hard and stick handling. During one of his breaks, a reporter asked him if this is something he does often.
“My entire career,” he said.
Jagr logged a total of 12:16 of ice time during Game 2 while playing on the team’s second line with Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand.
“You have to let Jaromir take care of Jaromir because he knows his body and he knows himself,” said Bruins coach Claude Julien. “Right now it’s about guys feeling good about themselves and whatever it takes, it takes. I’m going to give days off when I feel it’s needed and this morning is an optional and [Jagr] isn’t out there, so he’s saving it for tonight.
“I have no issues with that. He’s done that his whole career and certainly not going to stop him at this stage. Let him do what he has to do. He’s a guy who demands a lot of himself and he’s been a good asset to us. Our second line started producing when he got there and sometimes it’s about a guy having so much respect from other teams, there’s more room for other guys and they’re making plays. So even if he’s not on the score sheet, or you don’t see him score those goals, he has an impact. He’s been a real good addition.”
Marchand and the rest of the Bruins have been impressed with the veteran’s work ethic.
“He’s one of the best players to ever play the game and he still continues to show why,” Marchand said. “He’s done so well and works so hard on his game, on and off the ice, we see it in the gym, we see it in practice. He’s a treat to watch and us young guys can learn a lot from him.”
Marchand was then asked if he could practice only a few hours after a playoff game.
“I don’t want to do that,” Marchand said with a laugh. “Maybe when I’m a little older I may need to do that but I’ll stay away from that right now.”




