Off-Day Notebook: Bouncing Back on Offense

BostonBruins.com- In a game that saw them outshoot their opponents, 42-30, the Bruins fell to the opportunistic Maple Leafs on Monday night, 4-2 in Game 3 of their first-round series. While Games 1 and 2 of the series saw the Bruins find the back of the net seemingly at will, Game 3 provided an entirely new challenge. From hitting posts to spectacular saves, Boston seemed to be on the wrong end of things for the duration of the contest.
"We've obviously seen some pucks go in the net for us," defenseman Torey Krug said in reference to the Bruins' 12 combined goals in the first two games of the series. "This whole season we've been confident in scoring goals. It's one game. We've got to move on to the next one, get ready to go and make sure that we are capitalizing on those chances when we do get them. I don' think it's a frustrated group at all."

In Boston, the B's received fortuitous bounces on a few scores. Kevan Miller's goal in Game 2 bounced off Frederik Andersen and a Toronto defender before finding the back of the net. David Krejci scored on the man-advantage by banking it off Andersen from behind the goal-line.
"When you look back at the first two games," said forward Rick Nash, "some of the goals that probably shouldn't have went in, went in. Last night, some of the goals that should have went in didn't go in. That's hockey. You can't let the frustration creep in when that stuff happens. You have to make sure you stick with it."
The Bruins' top line, which had accounted for an astounding 20 points in the first two games, was held off the scoresheet despite a multitude of chances. However, coach Bruce Cassidy does not believe the line will be flustered by the results from Game 3.
"I don't think they'll be frustrated at all," said Cassidy. "It's going to go your way, sometimes it's not. It didn't go our way last night. [David Pastrnak] had a lot of good looks that he's going to finish. We saw it in the first two games.
"Clearly it's going to give them motivation. It should…at the end of the day, no, I don't think it will bother them one bit. In fact, they might bear down a little more, and that's what you'd hope would be the case. When they don't go in, make sure you get it by the guy when you get the chance."

Back End Boost

While the Bruins' top offensive players paced the Bruins in their pair of series-opening victories, the offense in Game 3 showed the team's ability to find secondary scoring from different parts of the lineup.
Each of the two goals were scored by Bruins defenseman. Adam McQuaid, who had one goal in 38 regular season games, connected on a shot from the point for his first playoff game since the 2013 Eastern Conference Finals. Zdeno Chara, who recorded seven regular season goals in 73 games, used a strong move down the boards and a sharp angle snipe to get the Bruins their second score.
"There are opportunities that represent themselves," said Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy, when asked about the goal scoring from defenseman. "Last night, one was a great point shot, kind of a seeing-eye shot from Quaider. Then Zee hops in and makes a phenomenal shot.
"I don't know what he was looking for there, but what a shot. That's just a skilled play. You see some of the best forwards in the league who are able to make that shot off the goalie's shoulder and in, but Zee is a special player. He always has been."
McAvoy, who is second among Bruins defensemen in scoring behind Krug, has seen the potential for the back line to contribute offensively.
"We are going to continue to try and exploit those when we have up top mismatches," said McAvoy. "Try and take advantage of those plays whenever we can. Taking care of our own zone first but then whenever we can contribute offensively, we try and do so. Keep watching the film and see when we can and just go for it."
In addition to the back-end burst, the Bruins also received contributions from their fourth line. The trio of Tim Schaller, Sean Kuraly and Noel Acciari finished a combined plus-6. Kuraly assisted both goals, and Schaller added a helper on McQuaid's goal.

Rest Day in Toronto

With Game 4 not scheduled until Thursday, the Bruins and Leafs each have an additional day to rest and prepare for the remainder of the series. The team had the day off on Tuesday, and they will practice in Toronto on Wednesday.
"It's about recharging right now," said Krug. "Your body and your mind, getting it right and preparing not just for the next game, but we have a day tomorrow to get on the ice and probably look at some video and just be prepared for that."
While the schedule typically provides just one day between games, the Bruins will take advantage of the added time.
"It's a little strange because you're used to staying in that routine of every other day," said Rick Nash. "But any time you can get a little extra rest or a little extra time with the guys, try to keep the bumps and bruises healthy and just watch some hockey tonight and have a nice dinner."

Grzelcyk Update

The Bruins were close to full health for Game 3 with the exception of Matt Grzelcyk. The rookie blue liner missed the contest with a lower body injury.
"He'll skate tomorrow," said Cassidy. "We thought it wasn't going to be a long term. We assume he'll have improved with a couple of days off. But again, until he gets out there that's hard to say. If he's healthy enough to play, he'll go back in."