THE BRUINS TAKE TWO IN TORONTO AND HEAD HOME WITH A CHANCE TO FINISH THE SERIES!
Mark Blinch. Getty Images.The Boston Bruins are heading home with a chance to close out the series after taking both games in Toronto. LET'S GET INTO ITTTTTTTT
Barstool legend James van Riemsdyk!!! opened the scoring in Game 4. Ryan Reaves turned the puck over in his own zone, JVR buries a silky backhand past Samsonov. 1-0.
In the 2nd, Brad Marchand buried a PPG to set the Bruins' franchise record for most playoff goals with his 56th. 2-0.
With 41.6 seconds left in the 2nd, David Pastrnak extended Boston's lead to three. Lindholm moved the puck up the middle of the ice, Zacha took a hit to make a play, Marchand chipped the puck past Brodie and fed Pastrnak. What a goal. 3-0.
With 15 minutes to go, Mitch Marner got the Leafs on the board. Too much standing around for the B's. 3-1.
FINAL: Boston 3, Toronto 1
- William Nylander made his postseason debut for Toronto in Game 4. It's believed by Sportsnet that he's been dealing with bad migraines and perhaps concussion related and that's why he's been out. Leafs also went with TJ Brodie tonight as the only change on defense.
- I think I've said it in 4 straight blogs, but the B's gotta stay out of the box. Cannot keep giving the Leafs opportunities. FARRRRR TOOO many 'too many men' penalties for them this series. Gotta clean it up.
- Brad Marchand passed Cam Neely for most playoff goals in Bruins history with his 56th in the 2nd period. Marchand extended the lead to 2 after Domi cross-checked Pastrnak in the corner. Specials teams has been the difference maker so far this series, but Marchand has been absolutely owning the Leafs. He is so far in their heads it's crazy. Him and Bertuzzi going at it has been very entertaining, but Marchand's getting it done on the scoresheet as well. The way he's been able to toe the line while also produce and tilt the ice for the Bruins is why I'd die for him.
- In his 2nd postseason game, JVR delivered the opening goal. His first goal in 21 games!!!, since February 17th. He looks healthy and it's awesome to see him contributing after he had a breakaway opportunity and hit a post in Game 3. Oh and he was rocking some Boston Hockey Club merch postgame, you can get yours right here!
- Mason Lohrei recorded his first career postseason point on his assist on JVR's goal. He almost broke the internet after nearly converting a between the legs shot from McAvoy. Almost screamed. Seems to be getting more comfortable and confident each game.
- Jeremy Swayman earned his 2nd straight start, and he was poised all night long. 21 of 22 saves. His first back to back start since the middle of February. Montgomery didn't overthink it with the rotation. With two days in between games I think it'll be Swayman once again with the chance to close out the series. He's 7-0-0 against the Leafs in the last 2 seasons. Insane.
- Like Swayman, can't say enough good things about the defense as well. They're top guns are showing up each and every game. Parker Wotherspoon (18:04) has made his presence felt as well. McAvoy (25:20), Carlo (23:06), Lindholm (21:11) continue to eat minutes while guys supplement. 27 blocked shots tonight.
- Ilya Samsonov was pulled after the 2nd period. We'll see if Toronto goes with Woll in Game 5. Auston Matthews did not come out for the 3rd period either.
- No wonder the B's 4th line had their legs going all night…
The Bruins take both games in Toronto and head home with a chance to close out the series on Tuesday night.
It was a great night to win a hockey game, indeed.