Boston hockey players are only one win away from advancing from the 1st round of the NHL playoffs. The Bruins won Game 4 on Florida ice 6-2 and lead the series 3-1. Pavel Zacha scored two goals for the winners, Tomáš Nosek and Jakub Lauko scored one assist.
Florida was much more active in shooting from the opening bullpen, but the visitors took the lead. The premier power play before the middle of the first period was enough for them.
After David Pastrňák’s penetration, neither Zach nor Bertuzzi were able to make a breakthrough, but Marchand still managed to poke the puck into the net before the referee’s whistle.
The best team of the regular season of the NHL increased the lead right from the beginning of the second period, and again it was on the power play. DeBrusk ended the great interplay.
The Panthers were returned to range by the ready Tkachuk, who took advantage of the fact that goalkeeper Ullmark expected the game to move to the second post. The home forward placed the puck in the net with a hockey stick between his legs.
The entry into the third act was better for Boston again, and Bertuzzi buried Carl’s shot from the air between the concretes of goalkeeper Bobrovsky. The two-goal lead did not last long for the guests and Bennett reduced the score.
Florida managed to eliminate the Bruins’ best scorer Pastrňák, they played a really tough game on him. The Czech gunner was unpleasantly bumped into the bar by Tkachuk, Montour was sent off after a rough tackle on Pastrňák.
But the guests were already two goals ahead again, as Zach’s shot was not held by Bobrovsky and DeBrusk easily scored the second goal of the game.
In the 57th minute, Hall also found Noska’s dismissal, elegantly got rid of Radko Gudas, beat Bobrovský in the attack and increased the score to 5:2.
The domestic provocateur Tkachuk couldn’t take it, he dared to attack Bruins goalkeeper Ullmark and started a fight. During it, he again attacked the goalkeeper, who dropped his gloves, and although the fist fight with Tkachuk did not take place after the referees intervened, Ullmark had to go to the cabin prematurely.
The duel was caught by substitute Swayman. He did not collect, on the contrary, during the power play, Lauko escaped and selflessly set up a shot into the empty goal for Hall.
Boston can end the series on Thursday morning Czech time in their hall.
Forward Martin Nečas helped the Carolina hockey players in the opening round of the NHL playoffs with a goal to win 5:2 on the ice of the New York Islanders. The Hurricanes also take a 3-1 series lead and are one win away from advancing.
Nečas scored for the first time in this year’s elimination fights. In the second minute of the second period, in a power play, he drove in front of the goal on a blind pass from Stefan Noesen and made it 2:0 with a precise shot.
At the beginning of the last part, Carolina led 4-0 after Seth Jarvis’ second goal and easily secured the win.
1. kolo play off NHL:
Eastern Conference – 4th Matches:
Florida – Boston 2:6 (0:1, 1:1, 1:4)
Goals: 36. Tkachuk, 47. Bennett – 22. and 49. DeBrusk (for the second Zacha), 57. and 60. Hall (for the first Nosek, for the second Lauko), 10. Marchand (Zacha), 43. Bertuzzi. Shots on goal: 44:31. Spectators: 19,771. Stars of the game: 1. Ullmark, 2. DeBrusk, 3. Hall (all Boston). Series status 1:3.
New York Islanders – Caroliny 2:5 (0:1, 0:2, 2:2)
Goals: 44. Pelech, 58. Horvat – 5. and 42. Jarvis, 22. Nečas, 34. Aho, 55. MacEachern. Shots on goal: 29:29. Spectators: 17,255. Stars of the match: 1. Aho, 2. Jarvis, 3. Raanta (all Carolina). Series status: 1:3.
