Recap: Lightning Strike Down the Boston Bruins 4-2 in Game 4
In a critical Game 4 matchup of the Eastern Conference playoffs, the Tampa Bay Lightning edged the Boston Bruins 4-2, taking a commanding 3-1 series lead. The victory puts Tampa one step closer to a second-round appearance, while the Bruins now face immense pressure to rebound from this setback.
How the Game Unfolded
The contest opened with an intensity that electrified the building. Both teams exchanged chances, but it was the Lightning who struck first. Steven Stamkos capitalized on a defensive miscue, slipping the puck past Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman just eight minutes into the first.
Boston responded with vigor, tying the game at 1-1 six minutes later. Jake DeBrusk found the back of the net after a flurry of action near the Tampa crease. The first period ended with the score knotted, but the Lightning didn’t waste time taking back the momentum.
In the second frame, Tampa regained control thanks to a power play goal from Nikita Kucherov, an absolute snipe from the face-off circle that brought the home crowd to its feet. As the period ticked away, a highlight-reel save from Andrei Vasilevskiy thwarted a potential equalizer, showcasing his elite skill and composure.
The Lightning entered the third period with a 2-1 lead. The momentum shifted once more when Boston’s Charlie McAvoy committed an ill-timed penalty just two minutes into the period, setting the stage for Tampa’s capitalizing power play. A quick one-timer from Victor Hedman extended the lead to 3-1, making a comeback seem daunting for the Bruins.
Though Boston would claw back with a goal by David Pastrnak, Tampa sealed their victory with an empty-netter from Anthony Cirelli in the dying seconds.
Turning Points and Key Sequences
The go-ahead goal from Kucherov marked a pivotal moment, particularly given the timing and setting. Returning to the ice with a power play advantage shifted the balance in favor of the Lightning, who capitalized effectively and forced the Bruins to play catch-up for the remainder of the game.
Coaching decisions were also noteworthy; Tampa’s Jon Cooper deftly managed line matchups, optimizing their forward lines against Boston’s defensive pairings, which paid dividends. The Lightning’s resolve during Boston’s power plays and their ability to absorb pressure were crucial.
Standout Performances
Vasilevskiy was a wall in net, making 30 saves, several of which came during tense moments that could have turned the tide in favor of Boston. His presence provided the Lightning with a layer of confidence, especially in high-pressure situations.
Offensively, Kucherov not only scored a goal but also recorded an assist, showcasing his playmaking prowess. Stamkos, with his early goal, continued his steady production throughout the series. Conversely, for Boston, DeBrusk and Pastrnak impressed in spurts but ultimately fell short in execution and consistency.
Series or Playoff Context
With this win, the Lightning now leads the series 3-1, placing Boston in a must-win scenario for the next game. The home-ice advantage shifts considerably, as Tampa looks to close out the series in Game 5 at TD Garden. With pressure mounting on the Bruins, every decision—from line changes to strategies—will be pivotal moving forward.
What Comes Next
Game 5 is scheduled for Thursday at 7 PM ET in Boston, where the Bruins will need to adopt a more aggressive approach to match Tampa’s offensive firepower. The key question heading into this matchup will be whether Boston can adjust their power play, which has struggled to find the back of the net consistently against Tampa’s penalty kill.
What adjustment should the losing side focus on before Game 5?
