After an inconsistent regular season, the Detroit Red Wings have found momentum in the postseason. The team shocked the Boston Bruins with a Game 1 win before losing in Game 2 to the Presidents' Trophy winners. The Boston Bruins beat the Red Wings with pure physical play, but the Red Wings will not go down without a fight in Game 3.
The Bruins are thankful that Loui Eriksson has finally found his footing in the postseason. The forward came to the team with high expectations, needing to replace Tyler Seguin, but failed to do so before the postseason. He recorded 10 goals and 37 points in 61 games. That is not exactly the results that the Bruins were expecting. However, Eriksson has figured things out in the postseason, recording his first goal in Sunday's win. He is one of just six players on the Bruins that have positive plus-minus rating through two games.
Detroit must turnaround their power play defense to win Game 3. Boston has scored on two of four power play attempts while holding Detroit to 0 and 4 on the power play in Game 2. The Red Wings have struggled on the power play for most of the season. Detroit has only scored on one power play in the last 19 chances over five games.
The Bruins are benefiting from steady goalie play. Tuukka Rask has stopped 57 of 59 shots in the series, working off a .966 save percentage. That strong defense is going to Boston with the edge in the series as Detroit figures out a way to take back the series lead. According to the Red Wings, regaining home ice advantage will help in the effort. Boston has lost its last four visits to Detroit, not recording a win since 2007. If Detroit can bouce back and play hard for three periods, they have a chance at taking the unexpected series lead.
