Maybe you guys checked out for the third, but the play was more even than you're giving credit for. Blues were finally able to make some good zone entries again and apply some pressure. I thought it was a mistake to pull Binnington as early as they did, because they were finally getting in a groove 5-on-5 again.AWvsCBsteeeerike3 wrote:Boston looked unstoppable for about 39 minutes last night, outshooting the Blues, what, 30-10 over those 39 minutes which doesn't include a couple shots off the crossbar.
Like JC said, the blues certainly got some lucky bounces and still lost. Close game on the scoreboard but it felt like sheer domination after taking a 2 goal lead early in the 2nd. And, that's without the Bruins top line contributing much...
It's just one game, obviously, but if they can't win that game how are they going to win others. They've proven me wrong time and again this postseason by bouncing back, but sheesh, the bruins looked like pretty unstoppable last night.
The large number of penalties called last night take their toll, going both ways. Not only did the Blues have to be on the kill for nearly 10 minutes of the game, that has trickle-down effects based on the PK and PP units. They kept mixing Petro's D partner. Our 4th line guys had nearly as much ice time as Tarasenko. Playing so much time on D wears on you much more than offensive time. Tired skaters make that split second decision to make the long pass attempt to get off the ice, rather than carry the puck until you have a better opening. It's all connected to what looks like being out-classed. I'm not blaming the refs--the Blues need to play more disciplined to stay out of the box, and I think we'll see a better performance all-around. I'm not sure what the winning percentage is for teams who kill nearly 10 minutes of penalties in games, but I can't imagine it is very high. Especially against a team with the top-line skill that Boston has.
