For the first time in franshise history, dating all the way back to the Hartford Whalers, the Hurricanes have swept the Bruins in a season series. Boston outshot the Hurricanes 22-8 after one, but thanks to great goaltending from Cam Ward and a timely goal by Eric Stahl, Carolina headed into the room with a 1-0 lead.
As well as the Bruins played in the opening frame, the Hurricanes were the better team through the final two periods. The third man high gave Boston trouble all night long, and an aggressive forecheck lead to costly turnovers in the defensive zone. Tuomo Ruutu extended the Hurricanes lead to 2-0 with a second period goal, Ruutu’s 16th of the season. There are whispers that Ruutu could become a member of the Bruins at the trade deadline. The third period was as frustrating as any the B’s have played all year. Brandon Sutter scored 3:17 in, and the B’s couldn’t solve Ward, per usual. Sloppy play with the puck and a lack of energy did the B’s in tonight.
Three Stars:
3. Brandon Sutter- Sutter tallied a goal and an assist for the ‘Canes tonight.
2. Eric Stahl- Stahl scored the “game winning” goal in the first period.
1. Cam Ward- Ward made 47 saves. That’s right, 47. He faced 47 shots and didn’t let a single one of them in. Hashtag brick wall.
Boston looks to rebound against MVP candidate Evgeni Malkin and the Pittsburgh Penguins in a Saturday matinee at the Garden, puck drops at 1:00 PM. The game will be televised on NESN and you can catch the radio call on 98.5 The Sports Hub.
