Bruins Take Commanding Lead to Buffalo

If you didn't watch last night's Bruins game, you may have well missed the best Bruins game of the year. Period.

The physical hits continue this series, and the Bruins came out in the first period looking to establish the tempo. However, the Sabres came out swinging and drew first blood, notching one first period goal (Kennedy at 2:12). Coach Claude Julien did a great job of motivating his team prior to the game while Milan Lucic performed admirably in his role as the team's lead aggressor.

With the Bruins down 2-0 courtesy of a Steve Montador goal in the second period, Lucic looked to fire up his teammates by getting into a tussle with Sabres captain Craig Rivet. Lucic connected a few powerful right hands and clearly got both the team and the crowd re-energized.

The Bruins were able to continue their physical play and eventually able to get on the scoreboard in the third period. David Krejci scored (2:07) on a rebound off of a shot by Matt Hunwick. Later in the third, Patrice Bergeron was able to take the puck around the net for a nice wrist shot, (6:40), tying the game at 2-2.

The first OT period had the TD Garden rockin'. With shots being turned away left and right by both Ryan Miller and Tuukka Rask, and as the possession went back and forth between the teams, neither was able to register a goal. The Bruins killed off one penalty and were able to keep up the intensity. This period was nothing short of spectacular hockey.

The second OT period was characterized by an extended effort on both sides, yet the tire level of the athletes was beginning to show. There were countless scoring chances for both teams, who peppered the nets of the opposing goalies. Finally, at 7:41, on a Bruins power play, Miroslav Satan was able to capitalize on an opportunity and put the puck in the back of the net. The goal provided a win and a 3-1 series lead for the suddenly surging Bruins.

Both goalies played outstanding games: Rask with 35 saves and Miller with 36. Tuukka even managed to record a statistical oddity: an assist on Satan's winning goal.

The entire Bruins team was able to pull it together after falling into a two goal hole, yet remained mentally focused and stayed in the game.

Dan Sullivan contributed to this post. Check out Dan's work over at http://dansullivansportmanagement.wordpress.com/.