Bruins Drop Game 3, Fall Into 2-1 Series Deficit

BostonBruins.com -The Bruins suffered their worst postseason loss in nearly 30 years on Wednesday night with a 7-1 setback against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 3 of their second-round playoff series. Boston, which had not lost by six or more goals in the playoffs since 1992 against Buffalo, now trails the best-of-seven, 2-1.
"We're going to have to move on from this game," said Bruins captain Zdeno Chara. "Obviously, not our best game. We realize that that was one of those games that nobody wants to look at. Definitely something that we have to move forward from and get ready for the next one."

The Black & Gold fell behind quickly midway through the first period when Tampa Bay struck for two goals just 15 seconds apart, Ondrej Palat on the power play at 12:46 and Yanni Gourde at 13:01. The response - or lack thereof - was what disappointedcoach Bruce Cassidy the most.
"It's tough. You get behind in this league against a good team it's hard enough to catch up," said Cassidy. "Clearly after that, we lost our composure at times and didn't do enough to get back in the game. You've kind of got to bear down at the start of the second period, first 10 minutes, and we weren't able to do that [and] sort of tilt the ice back in our favor.
"They took full advantage of the opportunities given to them in the first period - and after, for that matter. So, then it gets away from you and I think you're just starting to build your game for Game 4 more than anything."

Brad Marchand scored the Bruins' lone goal at 4:56 of the second on the power play - his third tally in two games - to cut the Tampa lead to 3-1, but Boston could not build any momentum and trailed 6-1 after two periods. The Lightning went 3 for 6 on the power play.
"Our penalty kill let us down tonight," said Cassidy. "It's been terrific all year, really good in the playoffs so far. We didn't get it done on the PK. Now you're in a 2-0 hole and you played not a bad period. So, rest of the game, we didn't respond. Like I said, the disappointing part about that is that we weren't able to get ourselves back in the game by killing any further penalties or creating offense or having our push back.
"That's what we lacked tonight for whatever reason. But it's over. We're going to focus on Game 4 - 7-1, 2-1, a loss is a loss. They're up 2-1. I think we've got a good group in there - I know we have a good group in there. They're resilient…we'll lick our wounds tomorrow, get away from the rink and get ready for Game 4."

Vladar Makes NHL Debut

Rookie goaltender Daniel Vladar made one of the most unique NHL debuts in team history on Wednesday night when he was inserted into the game in place of Jaroslav Halak midway through the second period. The 23-year-old, who received a pep talk from Chara before he got settled into the crease, made 12 saves on 15 shots.
"He's in there battling," said Cassidy. "Good move by [Brayden] Point on the breakaway. He's going to score on a lot of guys with that move. Listen, it was a point where we felt that if we need Dan Vladar, maybe this is a better way to get him some work. Less a reflection on Jaro. Give him a break. Let's get a look at him. It was 4-1, I believe, and Tampa got energized from that second period and I think we were deflated."
Vladar is the 10th Bruin in team history - and the first goaltender - to play in a postseason game before a regular season contest.
"I just had a gut feeling our guys were going to have a tough time pushing back from three goals down, so let's look at Vladdy. I'll have to look at it more," said Cassidy. "There's a lot of things going on. [Goalie coach Bob Essensa] will talk to Vladdy. I'm glad he got an opportunity to play. I don't wish it in that circumstance, but it is what it is, and he got him some work. Hopefully he's better off for it down the road."

Chara, Bergeron on Boycotts

Chara and Bergeron spoke postgame about the boycotts that took place across the sports world on Wednesday afternoon, most notably in the NBA, where all three playoff games in the Orlando bubble were postponed in response to the racial unrest following the shooting of Jacob Blake by Konesha, Wisconsin, police officers.
"We stand against any type of racism," said Bergeron. "My stance and our stance doesn't change. Again, any form of injustice - and I've made a statement earlier, a few months ago, Zee did as well - I stand behind that statement. I want to be a part of it, part of a solution. Obviously, there needs to be change. That's where I'm at…obviously, it's about human rights.
"It starts with everyone. I'm part of that. Zee is part of that. We all need to find ways to be, like I said, part of the solution. My statement doesn't change, my stance doesn't change. I want to be a part of it…I stand against any type of racism and injustice…I want to be a part of that."
"Definitely, we support NBA players and all the leagues that showed their support," said Chara. "Obviously, it was so close to our game that we were just getting ready, but pretty much saying what Patrice said. We support the fight against racism and injustice. There are different ways to express that fight and obviously NBA players expressed their opinions by boycotting the games today. We support it."
Chara said the players did not speak before the game about a potential boycott.
"No, like I said, it was so close to our game," said Chara. "After our pregame meal, we took naps and then we were on the bus. I don't think any of us were watching the TV until we got to the rink and then at that point it was too close to the game to start any discussions or…move the games to different dates…we were just basically following the schedule that the NHL provided to us."