THE BRUINS TAKE GAME 1!

Rich Gagnon. Getty Images.

The Boston Bruins opened up their 2023 postseason campaign without their Captain but with a 1-0 series lead thanks to a 3-1 win at TD Garden. No Bergeron, no problem. Let's get into it.

1ST PERIOD:

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David Pastrnak opened the scoring for Boston on the PP. Sliiiick feed from Bertuzzi. 1-0 Bruins.

2ND PERIOD:

Brad Marchand snuck one through Alex Lyon early in the 2nd to make it 2-0 Bruins. 

The Panthers and Matthew Tkachuk answered 3 minutes later to cut the lead back to 1. Orlov gave Tkachuk a gift off the boards.

Late in the 2nd, Jake DeBrusk battled to knock the puck in off the top of Lyon's pad to regain the 2 goal lead for the B's. 3-1.

3RD PERIOD:

The Bruins had a goal called back from goalie interference from Garnet Hathaway late in the 3rd.

FINAL: Boston 3, Florida 1

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News, notes and quotes:

- It was all Florida early in the game but Boston converted on their 2nd power play to take the lead.

- No Patrice Bergeron for Game 1. Not sure if it was illness or injury but we'll see if he suits up for Game 2. I think you give him the extra rest if he is indeed still nursing something.

- What a start to Tyler Bertuzzi's postseason career. 2 assists. All over the ice. Felt like he was out there for 30 minutes.

- Gotta give credit to the Panthers, they had dominated this game for what felt like 60% of it. They weren't afraid to bang bodies either, they unloaded 44 hits, a season high for them. 

- Third line was buzzin' starting with Charlie Coyle. He's a puck possession monster and my god what a game.

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- Linus Ullmark got the start in net and was nails. 31 saves on 32 shots. Felt like the Panthers had the Bruins on the ropes despite the score but Ullmark stood tall. His first career playoff win.

- As great as Ullmark was, Bruins need to clean it up defensively in Game 2.

- Alex Lyon had a blunder on Marchand's goal but otherwise looked pretty solid, two high quality saves on Frederic alone. Still have to wonder if the Panthers go to Bobrovsky in Game 2.

Thanks to everyone who watched the stream - always a great time. Idk what I do with my body but that's the playoffs for ya.

It was a great night to win a hockey game.

Game 2 coming up Wednesday night.