Last season, they crumbled under the weight of the pressure that came with seeing a 3-0 lead evaporate against the Flyers. They rebounded this season by overcoming a 2-0 deficit against the hated Canadiens in the first round and then sweeping away the Flyers for a bit of revenge.
When you think about all that the B’s have had to go through over the past 12 months, the pressure that comes with playing for a berth in the Stanley Cup finals is something the Bruins should be used to by now.
Yet, there is going to be a ton of pressure, especially with a Cup-crazed hockey town intently watching every shift. For some, the pressure is going to be raised a little bit more than others.
Obviously, you have to start with Chris Kelly. The forward is charged with the unenviable task of having to fill in for the Bruins’ heart and soul, Patrice Bergeron, who will miss at least the beginning of the series with another concussion. Kelly’s linemates and the rest of the Bruins are saying all of the right things, and for good reason. Kelly has been terrific at times this spring. And to expect him to just replace Bergeron is unreasonable. Those are some big skates to fill. Even so, Kelly will be looked upon to shoulder a much bigger load against the Lightning.
The Bergeron injury doesn’t ratchet up the pressure level for just Kelly, though. Rookie Tyler Seguin will move from the press box to the ice for this series to fill the roster spot left empty by Bergeron. How about that for the 19-year-old? His first NHL playoff action will come with a chance to give the Bruins their first Stanley Cup finals berth since 1990 — two years before Seguin was born. Again, the Bruins will have to have a collective effort to chip in for Beregeron, but Seguin will be one of those expected to pick it up.
Then, you have some of the heroes from this year’s rounds past. Tim Thomas has erased any questions about his abilities to perform in the playoffs, but in doing so, he has raised the bar extremely high. He’s stood on his head in net all spring, and he’ll be expected to continue that against a high-voltage Tampa Bay offense.
Thomas will have help, though. Zdeno Chara looks to be over whatever virus or sickness dogged him in the first round, and the captain is starting to play the type of defense that lands him on the Norris ballot practically every year.
David Krejci, like Thomas and Chara, has sky-high expectations after an incredible series against the Flyers. Krejci’s injury derailed the B’s last year against Philly, and he’s proven how valuable he is when he is in Claude Julien‘s lineup. Like the aforementioned Kelly and Seguin, as well as the rest of the forwards, Krejci will be looked upon to help pick up the slack left by the absence of Bergeron.
Which Bruins player is facing the most pressure against the Lightning? Share your thoughts below.
Wednesday, May 11: What is the biggest key to victory for the Bruins against the Lightning?
Which Bruins player is facing the most pressure against the Lightning?survey software
