Highlights: Bruins take Game 2 in convincing fashion

Pregame:

After speculation throughout the day, Ryan Donato was confirmed in as Tommy Wingels was still dealing with the aftermath of the Kadri hit that landed him in a 3 game Playoff timeout. The lineup remained unchanged otherwise for the Black and Gold heading into their 2nd match up.

1st Period:

Rene followed about 17 pump up videos prior to puck drop. The Garden is amped! Rick Nash has the first chance of the game and it’s a prime one. Unfortunately he misses WIDE left. The Bruins, led by Kevan Miller bring the physicality, including a huge, bone-crushing hit on JVR from Miller.

Not long afterwards, with the Bruins buzzing, Patrice Bergeron and Torey Krug get the puck to David Pastrnak who dazzles the Garden with a spin move, followed by a nifty backhander past Anderson to put the Bruins up 1-0.

Jake DeBrusk decided he wanted in on the action and puts one past Anderson at the front of the net.

Hey, that kid is pretty good huh?

Not to be outdone, noted sniper Kevan Miller places a shot on goal that hits Nikita Zaitsev and floats past Frederik Anderson, ending his night before the 1st period even ends.

As you can imagine, the Garden is rocking, particularly with cheers of “We want Anderson” which is just cruel if you ask me...

The Bruins are apparently a greedy bunch because Richard Nash pots his 1st goal of the young postseason and this game is quickly turning into a rout. Curtis McElhinney isn’t feeling the love from the Bruins any more than Andersen.

At the end of the 1st period, Krug and Pastrnak each have 3 points. IN ONE PERIOD guys, one period...

2nd Period:

The 2nd starts off a little rough with the Toronto youth movement putting one past Tuukka to get on the board. Marner, assisted by Hyman.

Have no fear though Bruins fans, the Black and Gold score right afterwards to restore their 4 goal lead. David Krejci with a little playoff magic, tips home a shot with assists to Pastrnak and Marchand.

Scoring wasn’t the only attraction however, as noted hitter Kevan Miller bodied Leo Komarov, with Komarov leaving the ice briefly, but returning to game action shortly thereafter.

The Bruins get a little too comfortable and fail to clear the net in front of Tuukka, which allows Tyler Bozak to score. Assists to Brown and Reilly and the Leafs are back within striking distance.

Brad Marchand using his skating to draw a tripping penalty on noted UNH alumni James Van Riemsdyk, putting the Bruins on an opportune power play late in the 2nd period. Unfortunately the only real good look the Bruins got ended with Bergeron’s stick exploding on his shot attempt. Credit to the Leafs PK unit for being aggressive in their coverage.

The Leafs really starting turning the tide at this point in the period, taking the SOG lead and getting numerous looks in close against Tuukka Rask, who keeps the Bruins lead intact almost through sheer willpower.

Mitch Marner takes a delay of game penalty with 3 minutes left in the 2nd, leading to a scrum in front of McElhinney after Backes hacks at the puck around the whistle. The Toronto PK unit continues it’s run and the period ends without incident.

3rd Period:

If the 1st period came in like a lion, the 3rd period started like a lamb, with neither team getting much traction. The Leafs announced Leo Komarov would miss the remainder of the game with a lower body injury. Matt Gryzelcyk was called for a hooking penalty around the 15 minute mark, but the Bruins PK unit kept the looks to the perimeter. The Bruins get their first official SOG 8:25 into the 3rd period on a Bergeron shot from above the face off dot.

Fast forward to a Brad Marchand breakaway that he fails to score on but Pastrnak finds himself along in front of McElhinney and he does his thing, putting the game out of reach at 6-2. The kid has 8 points in 2 games. Just... wow.

The refs call a holding penalty on David Krejci shortly afterwards putting the Leafs on the PP. This is the 10th penalty so far. No luck for the team from Toronto.

You know who is lucky though? David Pastrnak baby, as he scores his third of the night and fans everywhere rid themselves of their cumbersome hats.

What a night for the kid. Up to 9 points in 2 games. Just an incredible showing for him. The clock winds down to chants of “We want the Cup” from the Garden faithful and it’s on to Game 3 in Toronto!