Looks like these strangers from Boston are pretty good. Seeing as the Blackhawks and Bruins hadn't played each other since October 2011, there was plenty of mystery heading into Game 1 of the NHL Stanley Cup Final. Then some guy named Milan Lucic scored two goals, but the Blackhawks rallied to win 4-3 in TRIPLE overtime. How did it happen? Let's shed some light on the mystery that is the Bruins, as well as highlight the Hawks masterpieces that have captivated the city since January.
First period
Mystery: Boston forward David Krejci (pronounced Kray-chee) and Duncan Keith get testy less than a minute into the game. If he really wants to tangle with a guy who lost seven teeth in one game, good luck with that.
Masterpiece: Andrew Shaw levels a Bruins defenseman on a strong shift. Then Brandon Bollig gets a piece of another player. Then it's Michael Frolik's turn. Who says the Western Conference is soft?
Mystery: Halfway through the period, Krejci fires a shot from 15 feet away. Corey Crawford has no trouble stopping it, but Krejci's got nine goals in these playoffs at this point, including a hat trick and two game-winners. Point taken.
Masterpiece: Marian Hossa finds a wide-open Johnny Oduya joining the Hawks' rush late, and Bruins goaltender Tuukka (Two-kah) Rask makes the save through traffic.
Masterpiece: Crawford makes a SPECTACULAR glove save on the Bruins' Patrice Bergeron. Somehow, he survives doing the splits, too. Yeah, the Hawks wouldn't be here without plays like that.
Mystery: At 6:49, Milan Lucic takes a centering pass and buries it past a virtually defenseless Crawford. And guess who got an assist. If you said Krejci, take a bow. OK, sit down now.
Score: Bruins 1, Blackhawks 0
Second period
Mystery: Lucic blasts one past Crawford to make it 2-0 just 51 seconds into the period. He failed to score in the past seven games, mind you. Krejci has another assist. Chicago's getting to know these two quite well. Unfortunately.
Masterpiece: GOAL! Oh Brandon Saad, how Hawks Nation missed you. The rookie (and RedEye Beard Man!) snaps it past Rask for his first tally of the playoffs, and it's 2-1. Not a moment too soon.
Masterpiece: Is it just us, or does bearded Patrick Sharp act tougher? He and Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid exchange a few face shoves after the whistle, and it's not the first time in the playoffs Sharp has looked angry. The handsome mug looks OK though. Whew!
Mystery: The Blackhawks get a lengthy 5-on-3 power play. And fail to score. That sound you heard was all the air going out of Chicago at once. How do you not score? We're still waiting for the answer. Other than the fact that the Bruins defense is one of the best in the league.
Mystery: Bergeron blocks a shot with his leg. He pays the price though, noticeably wincing as he skates to the bench. As one of the Bruins' best forwards, this could be an advantage for the Hawks. Maybe.
Score: Bruins 2, Blackhawks 1
Third period
Masterpiece: A few minutes into the period, Crawford comes out to play the puck and prevent a Bruins breakaway. What you might not have seen is how he fell face-first to the ice on his way back to the crease.
Mystery: Brad Marchand is asking for trouble when he shoves Brent Seabrook to the ice after a whistle. FYI, Marchand is the Dave Bolland of the Bruins. But whereas Chicago loves its "rat," they're not gonna like anybody picking on the big Hawks defenseman.
Mystery: Looks like Bergeron is OK after all. He beats Crawford to give Boston a 3-1 lead on the power play. Lucic with the assist. This is entering nightmare territory.
Masterpiece: GOAL! That two-goal lead the Bruins built is chopped in half thanks to Bolland, off a pretty pass from Shaw. Yes, we said Bolland scored. His first of the playoffs.
Masterpiece: GOAL! Johnny Oduya thunders one past Rask. It's Oduya's third of the playoffs. That supporting cast never ceases to amaze.
Mystery: Aaaaand this game is going to overtime. As if there were any doubt.
Score: Blackhawks 3, Bruins 3
Overtime
Masterpiece: Only one thing matters: SHAW WITH THE GOAL IN TRIPLE OVERTIME! Get some rest. We'll see you Saturday night for Game 2.
Final score: Blackhawks 4, Bruins 3 (3OT)
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