Down three games to none and losing three to zero in the final game of the series, the boys from The City of Brotherly Love stuck a knife in the hearts of the Boston faithful Friday night, winning game seven 4-3. Simon Gagne scored the game winner with 18 seconds left on a “too many men on the ice” penalty. The 34th call this post season.
The Bruins were only the third team in NHL history to have lost a 3-0 series lead. The last was in 1975 when the New York islanders defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins. The record of teams prior to last night who had a 3-0 series lead was a guady 159-2.
The Bruins jumped out to an early lead on a goal by Michael Ryder and two by Milan Lucic. Lucic later in the game lost his hero status as he was the one who failed to get off the ice in time for the line change. It would be the second time in the history of a Bruins playoff run where the infraction could cause them to lose a series. Back in 1979 they lost game seven of the Stanley Cuo Finals on the exact same call while playing the Montreal Canadiens. The Habs won the game in overtime, and the Cup.
Zdeno Chara defenceman of the Bruins commented that “we got a little carried away from our game plan and lost our composure”. Bruins Coach Claude Julien said, “we had a three to nothing series lead, and a three to nothing lead in the final game. We lost both. No excuses”.
It could all be summed up for Boston in one moment. As the camera panned the crowd, a young boy who couldn’t have been more then 10 or 12 was found sobbing desperately into his parents side. Most likey sick to his stomach. I now that feeling, and it’s not a good one.
The Flyers now take on Montreal for the Conference Finals Sunday night at 7:00 P.m. A number eight seed against a number seven seed. UGH!
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