Here are three keys to success for the Bruins in the opener of what promises to be a physical series.
1. Tuukka Rask needs to remain "Tuukkool."
So far, Rask has not been fazed by the pressure and hype that comes along with the Stanley Cup playoffs. Rask is 4-2 with a 2.18 goals-against average and .927 save percentage in his first six playoff games, and by all accounts, he is treating each game of the playoffs like just another game, as there has been no awe or nervousness in his play.
Rask needs to outplay the rejuvenated Brian Boucher, who is leading the NHL in GAA (1.59) and save percentage (.940) in the playoffs.
2. The Bruins need to find a way around Chris Pronger.
The 6-foot-6, 220-pound Pronger is one of the most intimidating shutdown rear guards in the NHL. He has had a Norris Trophy-worthy season and is looking like the Pronger that led the Oilers to the finals in 2006 and the Ducks to a Stanley Cup championship in 2007.
The Bruins' forwards need to continue to drive the net and create traffic in front of Boucher. To do so, that means getting around Pronger. They can try to use speed, but the best way may be to give Pronger a taste of his own medicine and hit him until they wear him down.
3. Keep up the great special teams play.
The Bruins' penalty kill was probably the best part of their game this season, and in the playoffs, it’s been the same story. The Bruins killed off all 19 of the Sabres’ power plays in Round 1, but what was really a key factor in their series win was the power play finally clicking and going 6-for-22.
Both of these areas need to continue to be strong points. With a pesky and physical Flyers team, the Bruins can either draw or give power plays, and both the penalty kill and power play need to be ready.
