Emotions running high between Bruins and Penguins
The Bruins have taken a commanding 2-0 series lead over the Penguins as they hope to advance from the Eastern Conference Finals. This series was anticipated as a big one between the two, since both are very good teams in their own right, and the Penguins had the upper edge against the Bruins all season. As is usually the case though, anything can happen in the playoffs. As with any playoff run there are plenty of story lines, so here are a few of the big ones as we head into Game 3.
They say that history repeats itself, but that hasn’t been the case of late. Early on analysts predicted the Penguins to dominate the Bruins this series, but oh, how the tables have turned. Despite having their way with Boston throughout the regular season (3-0) the Penguins have been pummeled by the Bruins’ offense and stonewalled by goalie Tuukka Rask. The question is whether or not the Pens are simply in a funk or if the Bruins have found their mojo.
Emotion has been a big factor in the Bruins’ recent run of success. After the Boston Marathon bombing the Bruins held an amazingly heartfelt ceremony before a game later that week to commemorate those who lost their lives and those still injured. Throughout the remainder of the regular season and their run in the playoffs that has been a big factor behind their motivation to succeed and bring the Stanley Cup to Boston once again.
This series is especially tough considering the horrible and completely inappropriate comments by a Penguins fan making light of the Boston Marathon bombing. After ridiculous and irresponsible remarks like that, the best revenge is to silence all the Penguins fans with a sweep, and the Bruins certainly hope to keep that going as they play Game Three tonight.
Remember that trade when Jerome Iginla was headed to Boston but then went to Pittsburg because he wanted a chance at the Stanley Cup? Well, I bet he sure does and he is kicking himself right now for his nearsighted decision. The Bruins have steamrolled just about every opponent and all Iginla can do if the series continues in Boston’s favor is shake his head and wish he had decided to go to Boston when he had the chance. Oh well, get ‘em next time buddy.
Iginla had some interesting things to say on the subject, I’ll bet he’s eating his words right now.
“As far as when it comes down to the choice that I had in one or the other, it’s really hard as a player to pass up the opportunity to play on a team with Sid and Malkin and the roll that they’re on and the success they had.” Iginla said.
The silver lining though is that the Bruins then brought in Jaromir Jagr, another future hall of famer, to counter Iginla, and the two hockey greats get a chance to square off against each other this series, with the edge of course going to Boston.
Those are just a sample of the big storylines between the Bruins and Penguins, along with nightly fights and tensions running high. It has been an exciting series to say the least, and a very good one for the fans in Boston.
