Bruins Comeback Falls Short in OT

     The Boston Bruins hosted their first Stanley Cup Playoff game in three years and one would think they would come out with the fire and passion we have seen in recent years. Yet the Bruins went back to their locker room after the first period with their heads down in quite despair. They had only tallied three shots on goal through twenty minutes of play. And it hurt a little bit more as they trailed the Ottawa Senators 2-0.

     The Senators came ready to play as they netted two early goals from Hoffman and Brassard just 25 seconds apart. Already dominating the game, Ottawa continued their strong play as they scored their third goal just four minutes into the 2nd period as Hoffman had his second of the game.

     Leading by three goals, the Senators was unable to sustain their lead as the injury depleted Bruins showed the heart and passion that the historical franchise was built on. Within 7 minutes of play in the second period, the Bruins were able to tie the game up with goals by Noel Accairi, David Backes, and David Pastrnak. Acciari and Backes’ goals sparked the incredible comeback as they both found the back of the net just 42 seconds apart.

     As the game continued on the Bruins still showed some struggles. After three periods they were trailing in shots 19-28. Uncharacteristically, Boston also trailed in the face-off circle 34-28 for the game. Just six minutes into the first overtime, Bobby Ryan found the back of the net to stun and break the heart of the Bruins and the 17,565 fans in attendance.

     Controversially arose right before Ryan's goal as he and Bruins forward Riley Nash got in a scuffle along the boards. Most of the B's faithful showed displeasure as they rained boo's down on the refs, as Nash was the lone player that got called for a roughing penalty. Fifty-five seconds later Ryan, who many thought should have got a matching penalty with Nash, scored the game winning goal to give the Senators a massive game 3 win to take a 2-1 series lead.

     Boston and Ottawa face off again on Wednesday, April 19th at the TD Garden in Boston. The Bruins look to bounce back and make it a best out of three series with a game 4 win. Puck drop is at 7:30 P.M.