Fourth Line Was Once Again A Sparkplug

BOSTON - You probably wouldn't have an argument from many around the Bruins if you presented the opinion that the team's fourth line has been its best and most consistent during their opening round series with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The trio of Tim Schaller, Sean Kuraly, and Noel Acciari are relied upon to bring dependability and energy each time they hit the ice. They have done that and then some all season long, adding a bit of offensive flare - they combined for 28 goals in the regular season - from a portion of the lineup traditionally known more for its grit and intensity.

In the Bruins' Game 5 loss to the Leafs on Saturday, it was the fourth line that nearly willed the Black & Gold to yet another thrilling comeback, with a goal apiece from Kuraly and Acciari sparking Boston's furious charge over the game's final 25 minutes.
"They've been a huge line for us all year with the energy they bring and the momentum they create for our team," said Brad Marchand. "They've scored a lot of big goals for us this year. They've been great. When you're able to rely on four lines and every D and both goalies, it's big.
"They had a great game last night and they have all series long. They've been good for us. We're gonna need that again tomorrow."

Down by three late in the second, it was Kuraly who gave Boston hope entering the third period, when he whipped home a feed from Matt Grzelcyk as he fell to his knees, bringing the B's within two entering the intermission.
Acciari followed up at 5:56 of the third, cutting the Toronto lead to 4-3. After a strong forecheck by Schaller behind the net, Acciari banked home a bouncing puck from a sharp angle for his first goal of the postseason.
For the series, Kuraly (two goals, two assists), Acciari (goal, assist), and Schaller (two assists) have combined for eight points, second behind the Brad Marchand-Patrice Bergeron-David Pastrnak trio (23 points) for the most among Boston's forward lines.
"They've been on the ice for four goals in the series - two up there in Toronto that [Zdeno Chara] and Adam [McQuaid] scored in Game 3," said Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy. "We don't expect that every night, the finish we hope will be there. They've all scored some goals this year…it's a nice bonus.
"We use them to keep the other team in check and to dictate more pace to the game, good possession, and if you can get the finish, great. They're all penalty killers, so we expect them to contribute there.
"So yes, it's great when they score. They've done it twice now in five game this series, added offense. Both the games they've done it we haven't been able to take advantage, that's the unfortunate part."

Another Chance

Boston will have its second shot at closing out the series in Game 6, though they'll now have to do it on the road, which is no easy task. The Bruins, though, do bring with them some added confidence having won Game 4 at Air Canada Centre.
"Obviously a little easier playing at home," said Marchand. "You have to be able to win on the road if you want to win in the playoffs. We had a good game in there last time, but that doesn't mean much. They're gonna come out hard tomorrow and we have to be able to match that."

Rask to Start

Despite being pulled for Anton Khudobin midway through Game 5 after allowing four goals on 13 shots, Tuukka Rask will get the start in Game 6 on Monday night, Cassidy confirmed.
"Tuukka tomorrow, ready to roll," Cassidy said without hesitation. "I thought in Game 3 he was average and he came back with a very good game in Game 4 in Toronto, so I guess I'll take the immediate history and say yes [I expect a bounce back]. Clearly we need that going in there."

Taking it Easy

The Bruins did not practice on Sunday, as they regrouped and recharged ahead of their afternoon flight to Toronto for Game 6.
"I'm hoping they're with their families, relaxing," Cassidy said. "We were away [last week]. We will do video tomorrow morning. We thought about doing it toda…sometimes you just need a clean slate, get on a plane."
Five players did take the ice for some conditioning, with healthy scratches Ryan Donato, Brian Gionta, Nick Holden, Kyle Keyser, and Tommy Wingels working with a group of the assistant coaches.

Rick Nash was the lone Bruin who played in Game 5 to take the ice, getting in some extra work with skating and skills coach Kim Brandvold. Nash has one goal in the series, though he has generated 18 shots on goal, the third-highest mark on the team.
"The puck is finding him because he's smart, he's fast, and he's got good hands. Just that finish, this time of the year you need a little more oomph on it at the end," said Cassidy. "Everything is falling into place except the last piece which is getting it by the goaltender.
"The good part is the puck is finding him, that's problematic for offensive guys when the puck doesn't find you. That's when you know you're not right. We're gonna continue to express the importance of getting in the right spots. Now it's just a matter of getting past the guy."

Extra Offense

Cassidy went with the unusual move late in Game 5 of playing four forwards in the final minutes - prior to summoning Khudobin to the bench for an extra attacker - in an attempt to find the tying goal, with David Krejci joining the B's top line and Charlie McAvoy.
"It was doing it a little early without pulling your goalie," said Cassidy. "Maybe create a little more anxiety in their end. There's risk involved obviously, but at that point, we're trying to score. Instead of going right to 6-on-5, it's more of an offensive weapon."