Lightning looking for better start in Game 2 against Bruins
Coming off a 4-1 series win over Carolina, Boston had the early jump against Tampa Bay in the opener, scoring two goals by early in the second period while building a 3-0 lead.
Goalie Jaroslav Halak was sharp in his fourth start since No. 1 goalie Tuukka Rask, a Vezina Trophy finalist, opted out for the remainder of the playoffs to be with his family. The 35-year-old Halak stopped 35 shots and the two goals he gave up deflected in off Boston defenseman Charlie McAvoy.
The reigning Eastern Conference champions withstood Tampa Bay’s late push to win the opener, but they know the high-scoring Lightning will likely be buzzing to start Game 2 (7 p.m., NBC Sports Network).
“Game 1 is not going to dictate the whole series, typically,” Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said, “It’s great if we go out there and put together three periods like our first period, but they had push back as the game went on. I thought they competed hard last night, maybe not from the first whistle they weren’t as ready as we were. That happens to teams.”
Jason Slack Is a Senior Sports Writer for the Sports Core Network and also part of the Sports Core Report.
