TV: CBC, NBCSN, RDS
Series: 2-1
The Bruins have an excellent chance to put a stranglehold on the series tonight with another win at home in TD Garden. Thus far, in the battle of offense versus defense, the Bruins have looked like the better team. Chicago was absolutely anemic in game three, only managing 28 shots on net to Boston's 35 and being shutout 2-0. For the Hawks to have any hope, they absolutely need their top scorers such as Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane to finally make an impact in this series. There's been some thought that coach Joel Quenneville may put Toews and Kane together tonight in an attempt to spark the scoring. One positive sign for the Hawks up front will be the return of Marian Hossa, who missed game three with an undisclosed injury. Hossa is a dynamic scorer who leads the team in points this post-season, and hopefully can jump-start Chicago's power play as well. Boston's penalty killing has been absolutely outstanding, they haven't allowed a power play goal since the Rangers series in the second round. Faceoffs will also be critical tonight, as thus far the Bruins have dominated Chicago on the dot. For a puck possession team such as the Hawks, starting the play with the puck instead of chasing after it is critical to their success.
Boston's Tuukka Rask, who hasn't allowed a goal since the first period of game two, naturally gets the start tonight against Corey Crawford of the Hawks. Both teams report no injuries, though Bruin Nathan Horton and Hawk Hossa will both be playing injured (in addition to the likely half a dozen other guys who are playing injured...it is the Playoffs after all).
Prediction: 3-2 Bruins (OT).
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