Bruins pick up 2 huge wins vs Canes

The Bruins had a great weekend, winning both games at home to even the series. 

In Friday night’s game (May 6), the head coach Bruce Cassidy decided to switch things up in net, giving Jeremy Swayman the start over Linus Ullmark, who played the previous two games. The decision paid off, as Swayman saved 25/27 shots and secured the 4-2 win to get the Bruins back into the series.

The Bruins offense was led by Brad Marchand, who recorded a goal and two assists for a total of three points. David Pastrnak and Charlie Coyle also picked up two points each. 

On the defensive side of the game, the Bruins were without top-defender Hampus Lindholm, who was injured in game 2 after a huge hit by Hurricanes forward Andrei Svechnikov. However, Derek Forbot stepped up big, blocking a total of nine shots.

“I love that guy. He’s the man,” said Swayman.

Just moments before game 4 on Sunday, Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy was placed into the Covid Protocol,  and with Lindholm still out, it left the Bruins without their top two defensemen. Subsequently, Josh Brown suited up and played in his first playoff game of the season.

Despite not having McAvoy and Lindholm, the Bruins played extremely well, trampling the Hurricanes 5-2. 

The Hurricanes were practically shorthanded for what felt like the entire game, and the Bruins were able to kind of take advantage of it. The Bruin's power play has been heavily struggling as of late, but they were able to go 2/9, with goals from Jake DeBrusk and Brad Marchand. If the Bruins had a better powerplay, they could have really stretched this game out. 

Brad Marchand had a monstrous offensive day, posting two goals and three assists for a five-point game. Captain Patrice Bergeron also put up a goal and two assists. 

Jeremy Swayman also played well, stopping 24/26 shots, and picking up another win. He will most likely start again next game.

The Bruins will head back down to Raleigh to play game 5 on Tuesday at 7 p.m.