Canadiens defeat Bruins 3-1 in Game 7, advance to Eastern Conference finals
The Montreal Canadiens stormed into Boston and beat the Bruins 3-1 in Game 7 Wednesday to advance to the Eastern Conference finals.
Dale Weise and Max Pacioretty opened the scoring for Montreal. While Jarome Iginla responded late in the second to bring the Bruins to within one, Daniel Briere added a third goal on the man advantage with three minutes left in the final frame after Johnny Boychuk took an ill-advised interference penalty.
Carey Price stood tall in the Montreal net as the Bruins pressed to equalize, stopping 29 of 30 shots in the series-deciding win
The Bruins attempted another late-game rally and controlled possession over the course of the final 40 minutes, but ultimately could not solve Price & Co.
[Courtesy Extra Skater]
The Canadiens will now prepare for a series against the New York Rangers.
Star Performer
While Price was stellar and Pacioretty scored the game-winning goal, it was Quebec native Daniel Briere who was the lone Montreal player to record two points in the win.
The 36-year-old - who has 115 points in 118 career playoff games after Wednesday's game - assisted on Dale Weise's game-opening goal, and added the all-important insurance marker late in the third period.
[Courtesy NHL.com]
Turning Point
Pacioretty's goal at the 10:22 mark of the second period put the Canadiens up 2-0, and proved to be all the offense Montreal would need.
[Courtesy NHL.com]
Highlight Reel
Speaking of Iginla's goal, it was scored on quite a nice tip in front of Carey Price.
[Courtesy NHL.com]
The Bruins came oh so close to tying the game, as Iginla pinged one off the outside of the post after Price made a big save with the Bruins' top line pressing in the final period.
[Courtesy NHL.com]
Quotes of the Night
The bad blood between the Canadiens' Weise and the Bruins' Milan Lucic didn't end after Game 7 and the series did:
Dale Weise accuses Lucic of being classless and disrespectful with his comments in the handshake. Won't say what was said.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) May 15, 2014
Milan Lucic called Dale Weise a "baby" for revealing what he said in the handshake line. "It was said on the ice so it will stay on the ice"
— Аrpon Basu (@ArponBasu) May 15, 2014
Weise says Lucic threatened him in the handshake and said something similarly threatening to Emelin. Emotional series ends with tough words.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) May 15, 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: BOS 4, MTL 2 (Bruins lead 3-2)
Game 6: MTL 4, BOS 0 (Series tied 3-3)
Game 7: MTL 3, BOS 1 (Canadiens win series 4-3)