Game 5 was a kick in the chest for the Tampa Bay Lightning, as the Boston Bruins took the game 3-1. This game was all about the Bolts too, because they kept drilling the puck at Boston’s net. The unstoppable Tim Thomas got in their way yet again, preventing them from taking the series lead.
At home for Boston at TD Garden, the first period kicked off with an immediate goal for Tampa Bay. Just over a minute in the Bolts got one on a two against one break away, when Steven Stamkos and Simon Gagne took on the B’s Johnny Boychuck. Gagne landed it in the net. This set the tone for the first period as Tampa Bay kept drilling it in Boston’s side. Tampa even had a brilliant power play opportunity, but they couldn’t the puck past Thomas. On his A-game, the Bruins’ goalie managed to prevent the next 33 shots on net and denying the Bolts any further goals.
Second period saw the Bruins striking back. Nathan Horton put the game tying goal in the net, and Brad Marchland put them in the lead.
Tampa Bay came back with a vengeance in the third period despite the “We want the Cup” chant by Boston fans. Blair Jones nearly tied it up for Tampa, when a beautiful shot ended up hitting the goal post. In the last few minutes of the game when the Bolts had pulled their goalie, Boston finished the game off with a goal on the open net.
Final score was 3-1 for Boston, putting them in the lead of the Eastern Conference Final with 3-2.
Tickets are still available for the next game Wednesday, May 25th, 8 pm EDT at Tampa’s St Pete Times Forum. Tampa’s going to have to fight back harder if they want to prevent Boston from taking the series.
Tag: Boston Bruins Tickets
End to Kovalchuk Saga
The NHL story of the summer has finally come to an end. Ilya Kovalchuk has signed a deal with the New Jersey Devils (for the second time this summer). And unlike the first contract, this $100 million, 15 year deal has been approved by the NHL. Now he can finally put the contract negotiations behind him and get prepared for the Devil’s first game against the Dallas Stars.
The first Kovalchuk deal with the NJ Devils was not approved by the NHL on grounds that it deliberately circumvented the league’s salary cap. It was a 17 year $102 million contract, with Kovalchuk receiving just under 80 percent ($80 million) in the first 7 years. In the new deal Kovalchuk will be paid $93 million up until the 2023-2024 season. Though the differences in amount between the two contracts may seem small in perspective, the major difference will by felt in the New Jersey Devils salary cap. Read More
NHL to Investigate Luongo and three Other Contracts
On Monday, NHL arbitrator Richard Block deemed the NHL was justified in rejecting Ilya Kovalchuck’s 17 year $102 million contract with the New Jersey Devils.
In the aftermath, there has been significant discussion about other, similar front-loaded and the NHL has stated that other controversial contracts will be up for review. Long term deals that continue paying high salaries long after a players peak performance years are becoming more and more popular in the NHL as a way to circumvent the league’s salary cap.
Specifically named in Block’s report have been: Vancouver Canucks Robert Luongo, Chicago Blackhawks Marian Hossa, Philadelphia Flyers Chris Pronger and Boston Bruin‘s Marc Savard.
Mike Gillis, Vancouver Canucks‘ general manager has said that the league will Read More