The shot margins have gotten out of control and Boston is struggling to stay afloat.
Another game where Boston seemed to have it together before they let up a dagger goal. This time it was less than a minute in when a turnover behind the net, plus leaving Taylor Heise alone in the slot led to the first goal for Minnesota. The first period didn’t see too many highlights for Boston but they hung around until late when Sydney Brodt was able to stuff home a rebound just over the outstretched leg of Frankel for the eventual game winner.
The second saw little life out of Boston. It took them most of the way through the period to log a shot and were more than doubled up on shots despite a 2 goal deficit. Alina Mueller picked up a rebound in the death of the frame and put it away to give Boston life going into the second intermission.
The third saw Boston with some vigor to start. But once again a costly blue line turnover turned into an odd skater rush that put the game away. Minnesota would add an empty net jail break to ice the game late as Boston’s special teams failed them once again.
Game Notes
- The shot discrepancy has to be something people are tired of hearing about, but it’s only getting worse. Boston entered the game at a -57 differential for the playoffs, having never out shot an opponent. Tonight was only slightly better as they beat their average to only be out shot by 6. But the issue was highlighted by the second period where they were outshot 11-5 while down by two goals and took most of the period to register any shots.
- Tonight only saw one more SOG than Game 2. Hensley seemed to be tested even less this game as Boston has lacked an effective forecheck.
- Despite an NBA Conference final game for the Timberwolves at home just over in Minneapolis the crowd was an impressive force that really created an atmosphere.
- The Power Play is becoming an elephant in the room as Boston continues to be unable to put together an effective extra skater shift in the playoffs.
- Game 4 will have the trophy in the building as Boston has no lives left to give.