Upping Their Game
Montgomery said that, overall, the Bruins need to improve their game, particularly offensively. Boston’s bench boss noted that he believed his club improved defensively in Game 2.
“Toronto didn’t give us many odd man rushes, we had three from our calculations…we only gave up two,” said Montgomery. “It’s one of those games where we need to win more 1-on-1 battles low, at both ends, to be able to create more offense. Defensively, I thought we were better in a lot of areas that we think are really important. Our goaltenders have been up to the task.
“Offensively, it’s just not there, and we need to be better on the forecheck, we need to be more patient once we have it as far as when to attack the net, and our decision making with the puck in the offensive zone.”
Bruins captain Brad Marchand said that the key to more success will be winning battles at both ends of the rink.
“That’s the biggest thing right now,” said Marchand. “They’re competing hard, they’re getting numbers of pucks and coming up with more of those pucks which is making it easier for them to break out and harder for us to attack the net. We have to win more battles.”
Marchand added that the Bruins must be aware of Toronto’s increased physicality.
“They’re playing a really good playoff-type game right now,” said Marchand. “You knew they would, they’re built different than in the past years. They’re playing a lot more physical, a lot more committed to forechecking, playing very tight defensively. Gotta give them credit, they’re one of the top teams for a reason. And then when you add their offensive ability on top of that, they’re a tough team to play right now.”
That was evident during Game 1 even with the B’s being in control for much of their 5-1 victory.
“We’re seeing it, even the first game. It was a different game than the score,” said Marchand. “We have to continue to be better. It’s a very tight playoff series. We knew it was gonna be a battle. They’ve showed up, they’re playing for keeps, it’s a good battle.
“We can be better. There are some areas we need to continue to grow in, some areas we’ve been good, but other areas we need to be better. We can definitely improve our game and put a better showing out there for sure.”