Eastern Conference Semifinals - Game One

Bruins defenseman Andrew Ference had a disciplinary hearing with the NHL a couple of days ago in regards to the "hit" he delivered on Montreal Canadiens forward Jeff Halpern. The Bruins are making a habit of these hearings by the league. But this one should not have even happened. Halpern and Ference were skating towards the puck and Ference's shoulder caught Halpern in the head. A similar hit occurred when Pittsburgh Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby took a cheap hit to the head by David Steckel of the Washington Capitals. What do the two incidents have in common? No suspension.

As we all remember, the Philadelphia Flyers eliminated the Bruins in last year's Eastern Conference Semifinals, coming back from a three game deficit and a three goal deficit in game seven. Flyers coach Peter Laviolette kept telling his players "get the next one." One of the most famous moments in playoff hockey. In game one of this year's Eastern Conference Semifinals, that particular mindset was occupied by Boston.

Less than two minutes into the game, David Krejci (BOS) put the Bruins on top 1-0 by scoring his second goal of the playoffs. Danny Briere (PHI) tied the game at one midway through the period. The Bruins grabbed the lead at the end of the first period when Nathan Horton netted his fourth of the playoffs.

Throughout the remaining periods, Boston added five more goals. Brad Marchand (two), Mark Recchi, and Gregory Campbell contributed to the score sheet in the game this afternoon. Even though the Bruins still have not scored a power play goal, they moved the puck into the offensive zone much easier and they are creating better chances. They definitely had opportunities with the man advantage today. Things are looking promising. The Bruins win game one by a score of 7-3. Game two will be Monday night in Philadelphia.

Gold Star: David Krejci (2 goals, 2 assists, +3 rating, 2 hits, 1 takeaway, 50% face-offs won)

Black Star: Milan Lucic....another game misconduct Lucic? The Flyers are going to talk and they are going to get under your skin. Play the game and beat them on the scoreboard.