The Boston Bruins’ run in the Stanley Cup came to an end in the quarterfinals as the New York Islanders secured the series in Game 5. On Wednesday, the 12,000 attendees of Nassau Coliseum were unruly as they accepted the snide Saints nickname for Bruce Cassidy, the coach of the Bruins.
The Bruins Fell Apart
The Islanders fans, with halos on their heads, were very vocal with their support as the Bruins fell 6-2 in the fifth game. The win continues the Islanders’ win streak at home to 8. The series for the semifinals will begin this weekend at Tampa Bay.
The Boston Bruins gave way in the middle period which had started with a score of 1-1. It might have been the relentless taunting from the crowd of Tuukka Rusk, the Bruins goalie from the moment he appeared. It also might have been the multiple hits by the Islanders that may have started to take a toll. Whatever the reason, Boston was uncharacteristically hesitant, which the Islanders took full advantage of.
Nelson was the one to put the Islanders ahead on a self-created breakaway after stealing the puck from Matt Gryzelcyk, the defenseman for Boston. He then made the score 3-1 when a turnover from Boston ended in Nelson tucking the puck in.
Boston were locked into their zone. Meanwhile, the Islanders found more and more ways of hitting the net. Charlie McAvoy, the Bruins defenseman was caught up with pinning down Travis Zajac. His second goal kicked off the scoring.
Brad Marchand scored two goals during the power-play. He scored one after about 5 minutes after the third quarter had begun. However, the Islanders did not give up and Ryan Pulock and Cal Clutterbuck both scored, sealing the deal.
The Islanders have proven themselves as the champions in the East.
