Bruins vs Penguins Game 2 Preview

The NHL Playoffs are winding down and we all are anxiously awaiting to see which two teams will be battling it out for the coveted Stanley Cup.  The Chicago Blackhawks are 2-0 to the LA Kings while the Boston Bruins defied the odds (making risky bettors a lot of money) and defeated the No.1 seeded Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals by completely shutting them out 3-0.

How the Bruins can beat the Pens is now evident.  The Bruins may very well have the Pens number.  It is clear that very physical hockey from Boston was enough to throw Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin off their game.  The duo that normally average four goal a game were left silent by the Bruins. It was the first time that the Pens have been shut out since February 1, 2012.  Pittsburgh now find themselves in unfamiliar territory tonight going into Game 2.  They are trailing in a series for the first time in the playoffs.

To further put into perspective just what the Bruins were able to do against arguable the best team in the NHL, Boston goalie Tuukka Rask was able to stop 29 pucks that flew his way.  Rask has been blazing his way through the playoffs and now has a .933 save percentage throughout the playoffs.

Tuukka stood tall and made a lot of saves at the right time.

-Brad Marchand, Bruins player

The Pens were also held by the Bruins defense to just seven shots at the goal during the third period.

Matt Cooke could be used as a symbol of the Penguins frustration as he was handed a five-minuet major for ramming Bruin Adam McQuaid from behind.  There was some speculation that he could be suspended for the move, but that does not appear to be the case as he will be playing in Game 2 tonight.

The Pens will now have to try to even up the series and will be hitting the ice more determined than ever after what they see as an embarrassing loss.  The Bruins will need to again defy the odds and give the Pens all they got to get another upset in this series.

The Penguins are the favorites to win in Game 2 despite a Game 1 loss with a -187 money line according to BetOnline.Com.  The Bruins line is set at +170 on the site.  Check out sports books on various other site, however, before committing to a bet.  The game starts at 8 p.m. ET and you can catch it being televised nationally on CBS.