The Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks prepare for Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals. If the preceding four games are any indication, hockey fans should expect another fast paced, intense affair between two of the NHLs original six franchises.
The fire three games of the series were great defensive efforts; with solid fore-checking and exceptional goaltending becoming the norm. Game 4 was a orally different matter; as both teams combined to score as many goals in that game (11) as they did in the three prior contests (12).
The exceptionally steady Tuukka Rask cracked under the unwavering pressure applied by Chicago; as 43 shots were sent his way. The difference between Game 4 and the prior three for Rask is a lack of solid defense in front of him; allowing much easier paths to the net resulting in cleaner shot attempts.
For Boston to regain the defensive lockdown on the speedier Blackhawks, the Bruins will need to pressure in the corners and limit miscues that would again result in breakaway scoring chances for Chicago.
Game 4 did show that Boston is more than a solid defensive squad; as a resilient offense contributed to three separate come from behind scores. The aggressive offense cannot come at the expense of what got Boston to the finals in the first place; a deliberate defense that can create scoring chances on its own.
A fifth game of a series tends to be the most critical game in a seven game series, and 2013 is no different. Two evenly matched teams to date have elevated the 2013 Stanley Cup Finals to a must see television affair. On Saturday night, fans should expect another example of what is quickly becoming one of the classic finals series in league history.
