3 surprises from the Bruins’ Game 1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes

This piece was written by a new contributor, Steven Psihogios.

I think we can all agree that Game 1 was not the prettiest of efforts from the Boston Bruins.

However, a strong showing from the power play made up for the less than stellar first 40 minutes of the game. Knowing what we do about the Bruins, winning the special teams battle shouldn’t come as a surprise (even if things weren’t humming on the PP in the second round).

But that doesn’t mean Game 1 of Round 3 against the Carolina Hurricanes didn’t have its fair share of surprising moments. Here are 3:

1. Steven Kampfer gets the scoring started.

I can’t imagine anybody had lofty expectations for Steven Kampfer as he filled in for Charlie McAvoy.

So when the former Michigan Wolverine put home the game’s first goal just three minutes in, he exceeded the most positive of forecasts pretty quickly.

I mean really, a 30-year old journeyman scoring in only his second NHL playoff game. That caught just about everybody off guard.

Don’t believe me? Just look at this guy’s reaction.

2. David Backes beats out not one, but two icings.

Bruins Head Coach Bruce Cassidy has tinkered with his lineups a fair amount these playoffs. When he’s wanted an injection of speed, he’s elected to play Karson Kuhlman. When the bench boss wants a little more physicality, he’s called upon David Backes.

So when Backes won the race to the puck and prevented an icing, my jaw nearly hit the floor.

Look at the veteran power forward bringing the wheels!

And if that wasn’t enough, the man did it again! Twice in the same game.

If you happened to miss it, I wouldn’t blame you for having doubts. I saw it with my own two eyes and I still don’t know if I believe it.

3. Brad Marchand plays peacekeeper.

Yeah, this was a bit of an odd night.

With the Bruins trailing by a goal early in the third period, Jordan Staal delivered a dangerous hit near the boards to Chris Wagner, and Connor Clifton saw red.

The young blueliner came quickly to the defense of Wagner after the check. But before he got too carried away, and possibly spoiled Boston’s chance to go on the power play, the unlikeliest of people intervened.

Brad Marchand wrapped his arms around Clifton and stopped the defender from retaliating and taking a potential penalty of his own.

And by now, you probably know how that worked out.

So while Boston won the game in a familiar fashion, there were several moments in the contest that left people stunned.