The Bruins will look to even the series in Game 2 at the Garden on Tuesday before the series shifts to Tampa for Games 3 and 4.
Third Period, 19:23, Lightning 5-2: The Bruins show their frustration as Milan Lucic and Nathan Horton each pick up roughing minors and misconducts for a late scrum. With Horton already involved, Lucic decked Victor Hedman with a punch.
Third Period, 18:59, Lightning 5-2: The Bruins add a late goal as a Johnny Boychuk fires in a point shot that deflects off a Tampa defender in front. Seguin picks up an assist on the play.
Third Period, 17:29, Lightning 5-1: The Lightning take advantage, with Simon Gagne scoring into the empty net from the blue line.
Third Period, 17:14, Lightning 4-1: Thomas is out for the extra attacker with a faceoff in the Tampa zone and 2:46 left to play.
Third Period, 16:48, Lightning 4-1: Things getting a little nasty now, with Mark Recchi and Randy Jones getting into it in the Tampa zone, then Adam McQuaid and Steve Downie have a staredown in the Boston end.
Third Period, 13:37, Lightning 4-1: The Lightning finally strike on the power play as Marc-Andre Bergeron extends the lead with a blast from the point.
Bergeron scored on a shot from the left point as Gagne supplied the screen in front of Thomas.
Third Period, 12:04, Lightning 3-1: The Bruins now have to kill off a penalty as Boychuk blasts Gagne with a huge hit. That brings Lecavalier over, but he does the standing turtle when Boychuk pops him and only Boychuk gets a roughing minor.
Third Period, 10:26, Lightning 3-1: The Bruins have been all over the Lightning the last few shifts, but still can't break through for that second goal. The last two shifts have witnessed some new line combinations with Seguin up with Marchand and Kelly and Recchi skating with Ryder and Peverley. That may just be because of the power play that preceded those shifts, but it will bear watching to see what combos Julien uses the rest of the way.
Third Period, 7:53, Lightning 3-1: Much better effort from the Bruins on that power play as they created several good scoring chances, but they need results and they come up empty again.
Third Period, 5:53, Lightning 3-1: The Bruins will get another power-play chance as Vincent Lecavalier is sent off for slashing.
Third Period, 5:25, Lightning 3-1: Thomas keeps the Bruins' hopes alive again with another stellar save on Simon Gagne after a turnover in the Bruins end.
Third Period, 3:05, Lightning 3-1: Johnny Boychuk catches Steven Stamkos with a hip check along the boards, upending the young star and drawing a huge roar from the crowd.
Third Period, 2:46, Lightning 3-1: Tyler Seguin bids for another goal with a shot at the right post, then gets involved in s shoving match in front after the whistle.
Third Period, 0:59, Lightning 3-1: Shawn Thornton with a pair of bids in front at the right post, but Roloson comes up with the stops.
Third Period, 0:00, Lightning 3-1: The final frame is under way here at the Garden, with the Bruins need of a big rally down a pair of goals. Boston is 0-3 when trailing after two periods this postseason, while Tampa Bay is 6-0 when leading after two.
Second Intermission Notes: The Bruins played a better second period, but couldn't cut into the lead as they remain down 3-1 heading into the third.
After a first period without any penalties, there were five minors called in the second. the Bruins were 0 for 3 on the power play with just three shots. They're now 2 for 40 in the playoffs with the man-advantage. Tampa Bay was 0 for 2 on the power play, but did have seven shots.
The Bruins are doing a better job of getting in those shooting lanes though. The Lightning still have a 13-8 edge in blocked shots, but the Bruins led that category 7-5 in the second. The Bruins are continuing to struggle in the faceoff dot however, going just 17-27 (39 percent). David Krejci is having a particularly rough night, going 2-11 (15 percent).
Tyler Seguin played just two shifts in the second, but did surprisingly have two hits. That included a huge check on Mike Lundin deep in the attacking zone. Lundin probably wishes Seguin was still in the press box, as he's the same defenseman Seguin faked off his skates before his goal in the first. Seguin has played exactly five minutes on six shifts so far with a goal on one shot, but is a minus-1 with a giveaway.
End Second Period, Lightning 3-1: The middle frame ends as it began, with the Bruins trailing by two goals after a scoreless second. it was a better period for the Bruins, but they were unable to cut into Tampa's lead and now have just 20 minutes left to get back into this one.
Second Period, 16:58, Lightning 3-1: The Bruins come up empty again on the power play. They're now 0 for 3 in this one and 2 for 40 in the postseason on the man-advantage.
Second Period, 14:58, Lightning 3-1: The Bruins are back on the power play again, as Krejci again draws a tripping call, this time on Adam Hall.
Second Period, 14:10, Lightning 3-1: Thomas with a spectacular save, sprawling on the ice and reaching out with a glove to rob Steve Downie at the right post.
Second Period, 13:55, Lightning 3-1: The Bruins kill off another penalty with some strong work from their makeshift pairs to keep this a two-goal game.
Second Period, 11:55, Lightning 3-1: The Lightning now get their second chance on the power play, and once again the Bruins will be without one of their top penalty killers as Chris Kelly is sent off for tripping.
Second Period, 10:09, Lightning 3-1: The Bruins had much better movement and puck possession on that chance, but didn't really come close to scoring as Kaberle missed wildly when finally attempting a couple of shots.
Second Period, 8:09, Lightning 3-1: The Bruins will get another chance to get something going on the power play as Eric Brewer is sent off for tripping up David Krejci.
Second Period, 7:24, Lightning 3-1: Chances at both ends, with St. Louis denied by Thomas on a drive to the right post, then Milan Lucic firing wide on a bid from the slot. The Bruins picked up their offensive play as soon as their power play expired, finding their rhythm once again at even strength after another ineffective man-advantage.
Second Period, 5:29, Lightning 3-1: Not a good power play for the Bruins, who can't even get set up in the Tampa zone during the two-minute advantage.
Second Period, 3:29, Lightning 3-1: The Bruins kill off that threat with a few sharp saves by Thomas, and will now go on their own power play as Steve Downie is called for interference in front of the Boston net just as the penalty was about to expire.
Second Period, 1:29, Lightning 3-1: Not the way to start a comeback, as the Bruins are called for the game's first penalty with a tripping call on Daniel Paille. That also denies the Bruins one of their top penalty killers in Paille.
Second Period, 0:00, Lightning 3-1: After a brief delay for some equipment issues with Tim Thomas, the middle frame is under way here at the Garden, with the Bruins looking to dig out of the hole they created in the first.
First Intermission Notes: After a solid start in the opening minutes, things got about as bad as possible for the Bruins as Tampa Bay struck for three goals in 1:25.
The first goal came after the Bruins couldn't clear the crease before Sean Bergenheim banged home a rebound, in part because Dennis Seidenberg was caught out there without a stick. The second was inexcusable as Brett Clark was allowed to go end to end on a rush and the third goal was even worse as it came off a brutal turnover by Tomas Kaberle beside his own net.
Tyler Seguin did give the Bruins some life with a highlight-reel goal as he deked around one defender and fired a wrister past Dwayne Roloson. That was Seguin's only shot in his first period of playoff hockey, and he was still a minus-1 in 3:09. Adam McQuaid was the only Bruin on the plus side at plus-1 in 5:14 in his return to the lineup. Chris Kelly has two shots and is 4-2 on faceoffs playing in Patrice Bergeron's spot on the second line.
Overall, the Bruins are clearly missing Bergeron in many areas, especially on faceoffs where they are just 9-12 (43 percent). Boston does lead in shots 12-10, but Tampa Bay has an 8-1 edge in blocked shots as the Lightning have shown more commitment so far in this one. The deficit is especially disconcerting because the entire period was played at even strength with no penalties called. The Bruins have dominated 5 on 5 all season and throughout the playoffs. Tampa has a decided edge in special teams, so the Bruins can't afford to fall behind at even strength.
End First Period, Lightning 3-1: The first frame is in the books, and it wasn't a good one for the Bruins, though they did show some life late after Tyler Seguin struck with a spectacular goal.
First Period, 18:13, Lightning 3-1: Lightning coach Guy Boucher now uses his timeout as the Bruins have gained some momentum.
First Period, 15:59, Lightning 3-1: The Bruins strike back on a filthy move by Tyler Seguin, who scores in his playoff debut with a goal that will make plenty of highlight reels.
Michael Ryder got the puck to Seguin just inside the blue line on a 2 on 2, and Seguin deked around Mike Lundin, who was literally faked off his skates. Seguin then finished the play with a wrister inside the far right post.
First Period, 12:40, Lightning 3-0: The Lightning add another as Tomas Kaberle coughs up the puck beside his own net and Teddy Purcell pounces on it.
Thomas stopped Purcell's initial shot, but Purcells jammed home the rebound to extend the lead to three goals. Claude Julien uses his timeout to settle his troops, hoping to have a similar effect to the timeout he used in Montreal in the first round.
First Period, 11:34, Lightning 2-0: The Lightning strike again almost immediately as Brett Clark goes end to end with a rush down the right wing and beats Thomas with a backhander.
The puck went off Thomas and dribbled over the line. That's one that Thomas will definitely want back.
First Period, 11:15, Lightning 1-0: The Lightning strike first as Sean Bergenheim bangs home a rebound in front.
Dominic more had the first chance with several whacks at the right post. The puck slid to Dennis Seidenberg, who was playing without a stick, but his attempt to kick it clear went right to Bergenheim.
First Period, 10:31, 0-0: Strong shift by the Bruins fourth line, keeping the puck in the Tampa zone and creating several chances with their cycling game.
First Period, 8:42, 0-0: Brad Marchand with a bid on a wraparound at the right post, but Roloson makes the save. The Bruins lead in shots just 5-4, but they've had the better chances. Thomas was tested on one shot though, and Andrew Ference saved another potential goal early when he blocked a pass in front on an odd-man break.
First Period, 6:19, 0-0: The Bruins continue with the hits, as Daniel Paille blasts Marty St. Louis along the boards in the Boston end. Bruins skating, and hitting, very well so far in this one.
First Period, 2:27, 0-0: Tyler Seguin and the third line come out for their first shift, and the rookie gets a big round of applause from the Garden faithful as he sees the first NHL playoff action of his career.
First Period, 0:54, 0-0: The Bruins setting a physical tone early, with a couple of big hits right away, including a big check by Dennis Seidenberg on Eric Brewer.
First Period, 0:00, 0-0: And all the waiting is finally over, as action is under way here at a loud and electric Garden in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final.
8 p.m.: The Bruins will open with their usual starting line, though with Chris Kelly between Brad Marchand and Mark Recchi instead of Patrice Bergeron. Andrew Ference and Johnny Boychuk open on defense and Tim Thomas is in goal.
The Lightning counter with former Bruin Nate Thompson, Vincent Lecavalier and Adam Hall up front, Eric Brewer and Mattias Ohlund on the blue line and Dwayne Roloson in net.
7:55 p.m.: As expected Shane Hnidy is the healthy scratch for the Bruins along with the Black Aces, while Patrice Bergeron misses his first game this postseason with a concussion. Adam McQuaid is officially in.
The Lightning have scratched Matt Smaby and Blair Jones, who skated in warm-ups, along with Dana Tyrell (foot) and Pavel Kubina (upper body) and their usual cast of extras. That means Simon Gagne also officially returns as expected.
7:45 p.m.: The Bruins had the line combinations expected in their warm-up as they adjust to playing without Patrice Bergeron to start the series.
As usual, Shane Hnidy was on the ice, but didn't take part in the line drills. He'll be a healthy scratch as Adam McQuaid returns to the lineup.
Here are the full line combinations from the warm-up:
Lucic-Krejci-Horton
Marchand-Kelly-Recchi
Ryder-Peverley-Seguin
Paille-Campbell-Thornton
Defense pairs:
Chara-Seidenberg
Ference-Boychuk
Kaberle-McQuaid
7:30 p.m.: No surprise, but Tim Thomas and Dwayne Roloson led their respective teams out on the ice for warm-ups.
That will be the goaltending matchup in this one, as the 41-year-old Roloson clashes with the brash youngster Thomas, who checks in at the tender age of 37.
7 p.m.: The Bruins and Lightning will get back to work in about an hour, finally opening the Eastern Conference Final with Game 1 at the Garden.
The Bruins will begin the series without Patrice Bergeron, who remains sidelined with a concussion, though he did skate on his own for the first time on Saturday morning.
The Bruins will get defenseman Adam McQuaid back after he missed the last two games of the Philadelphia series with a sprained neck.
The Lightning, meanwhile, will get forward Simon Gagne (upper body) back, while defenseman Pavel Kubina (upper body) remains out.
8 a.m.: The long wait is finally over.
The Bruins have waited eight days to play again since sweeping Philadelphia in the second round. The Lightning have been off 10 days since finishing off top-seeded Washington in four straight.
Now both teams get back in action at long last with a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals on the line as Boston hosts Tampa Bay in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final on Saturday.
Both teams will be well rested for this one, but both clubs may also have to shake off some rust after such a long layoff.
"It's been a long time," Tampa Bay coach Guy Boucher said. "It's been a long time for everybody. I think the fans can't wait for it to start. The players can't wait for it to start. But the reality is, in practice you can't reproduce the atmosphere of an NHL playoff game. I think there's a lot of emotion in those games. When you play them every two days, you kind of stay on an adrenaline level that's required to play those games, which we don't have right now. I guess Boston doesn't have it either. We're on the same field I guess as they are. Nine days, and for us it's going to be 10 days, it's difficult."
While both teams have been waiting more than a week for this game, the Bruins have really been waiting much longer. The Lightning won the Cup just seven years ago. The Bruins haven't won a title since 1972, and haven't even reached this round since 1992.
Now opening the series before what should be a raucous Garden crowd should help the Bruins get their legs quickly.
"When the game starts [Saturday], it's a whole new reality. We're aware of that," Boucher said. "That first period is going to be a shock for everybody. Hopefully it's the same for the Bruins, but we know they're home, they're going to be coming out for their fans. It's going to be a very difficult first period."
The Bruins have done everything they can to prepare for this. They have home-ice advantage, and that's been a real advantage against the Lightning. The Bruins are 25-4-6 all-time against Tampa in games played in Boston, including an 8-1 win on Dec. 2 and a 2-1 victory on March 3 this season. But the postseason is a different animal, so the Bruins haven't left anything to chance as they've tried to stay sharp while planning for this matchup throughout the week.
"Everything we did, from the time we finished [against Philadelphia], was stay on top of other games," Bruins coach Claude Julien said. "And at the same time, Tampa was done before we were, so we knew who we were preparing for. So, we just started working from that day on. Maybe the hours weren't as long as they normally would [be]. But every day, our head was in the upcoming series. We've had a chance to rest, but at the same time we haven't been taking time off as far as shutting her down and saying we don't have to think about the next series until a certain time."
The Bruins will be without their top two-way forward to start the series, as Patrice Bergeron is sidelined indefinitely with a concussion. Tampa Bay, meanwhile, will welcome back talented forward Simon Gagne after he missed the final three games against Washington with a head injury of his own. Gagne sparked the Flyers' comeback against the Bruins last year when he returned from a foot injury in Game 4 and scored four goals, including the winners in Games 4 and 7, in Philadelphia's four-straight wins.
The puck drops at 8 p.m., so check back here throughout the day for updates on all the action from the Garden.
