Bruins' Fraser scores overtime winner in Game 4, series vs. Canadiens tied at 2
The Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens required overtime to settle a tense Game 4 of their second-round series on Thursday. Montreal outshot Boston by the slimmest of margins in regulation (33-32), but Tuukka Rask and Carey Price were impregnable through 60 minutes.
Early in the extra frame, forward Matt Fraser capitalized off a fortunate bounce and scored his first playoff goal in his postseason debut to give the Bruins a much-needed win to tie the series at two.
As the chart below shows, the Bruins largely dominated possession over the course of the game (as has been a trend in the series), and were rewarded with the game-winning and series-tying goal in overtime.
[Courtesy Extra Skater]
Star Performer
While Fraser was the offensive hero, Rask and Price each gave their teams an opportunity to come out on top in Game 4; the pair combined for 67 saves on 68 shots, with Rask ultimately prevailing with the shutout victory.
Perhaps his biggest save of the night came off a breakaway attempt by Canadiens' captain Brian Gionta.
[Courtesy NHL.com]
It was a much-needed big-time performance from Rask, who had failed to post a save percentage over .900 in three previous games.
Turning Point
The obvious choice here is Fraser's overtime winner. The 23-year-old was recalled from AHL Providence earlier in the day, and Fraser found himself in the right place at the right time on this goal-mouth scramble around Price.
[Courtesy NHL.com]
Highlight Reel
Without any goals to speak of, hits provided many of the talking points.
Douglas Murray certainly made his presence felt with this hard check on Shawn Thornton.
[Courtesy NHL.com]
Jarome Iginla appeared to shake Max Pacioretty up with this hit in the first period, although the Canadiens forward remained in the game.
Quote of the Night
Fraser's heroics were certainly unexpected; one day he's eating a fast food burrito and the next he's the belle of the ball.
Quite a ride for Matt Fraser: "Yesterday I was at Chipotle eating lunch and wondering what I was going to do for the day."
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) May 9, 2014
Series Recap
Game 1: BOS 3, MTL 4 (2OT) (Canadiens lead 1-0)
Game 2: BOS 5, MTL 3 (Series tied 1-1)
Game 3: MTL 4, BOS 2 (Canadiens lead 2-1)
Game 4: BOS 1, MTL 0 (OT) (Series tied 2-2)
Game 5: Saturday, May 10 7:00 p.m. ET
Game 6*: Monday, May 12 TBD
Game 7*: Wednesday, May 14 TBD