Photo Credit Google Images hockeyindependent.com
Tim Thomas stopped 52 shots tonight, including 22 in the third period and 46 straight after the Flyers jumped out to a 2-0 lead within their first six shots.
The second best player on the ice tonight (behind Timmy of course) was James van Reimsdyk, who tallied both of the Flyers goals tonight, to push his post-season total to eight.
Philly came out flying as they jumped out to an early 2-0 lead. The Bruins, with no panic, battled back with two goals in a 1:35 span. Chris Kelly notched the first one on a rebound put-back. The key to this goal was the traffic in front of the net. Michael Ryder, who has been criticized like no other, stood only inches in front of Brian Boucher, enabling Kelly to sneak the puck past him to cut the lead to one.
Only a minute and a half later, Patrice Bergeron made a beautiful pass to rookie Brad Marchand, who whistled a wrist shot by Boucher to knot the game at two.
The third period was completely dominated by the Flyers as they out-shot the B's 22-7. Nobody was bigger than our unconventional goalie Tim Thomas. Thomas made spectacular save after spectacular save, allowing his team to reach the overtime period.
With about six seconds left in regulation, the Flyers had an offensive zone face-off. The puck hopped to the stick of Flyer winger who back-handed it on net. Timmy made a right pad save but let up a rebound to Danny Briere who had a wide open net. The puck was on edge, and Briere fanned, sending the game into overtime.
This overtime period was one of the best I've ever seen. Back and forth, up and down the ice they went. Both teams had ample opportunities to end this game, but both goaltenders (and posts and crossbars), helped keep this game tied.
At the 14 minute mark of the overtime period, David Krecji took a beautiful feed from Nathan Horton who had just came off the bench. All in one motion, Krecji one-time the puck top-shelf to give the Bruins a 2-0 series lead.
An unorthodox end to tonights game, as the referee initially waved off the Krecji game-winner, only to overturn his call upon further review.
I liked all three of our top lines tonight. The Bergeron and Peverley lines have been playing great all playoffs long. With Krecji's line coming on strong, the B's can be a force to be reckon with in these Stanley Cup playoffs.
On a more sour note, defenseman Adam McQuaid was sent to a local hospital after whiffing on a check and slamming his head into the boards. I have no report as of yet, but hopefully its nothing serious because this kid has been a rock all year on defense for the black and gold.
With the series at 2-0 in favor of the B's, the series shifts back to Boston where the Bruins look to grab a strangle hold on this series.
Game 3 will be played Wednesday at 7:00 et in Boston.....and you know the fahkin' Gahden will be rockin'.
Oh, did I mention how fucking huge Timmy was tonight!
WOOOO!!!!
