BOSTON — A lot of remarkable things happened in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final. Within the context of their respective postseasons, few were more remarkable than the Boston Bruins' special teams thoroughly outplaying those of the Vancouver Canucks.
The Bruins were 2-for-4 on the power play in 8:29 of ice time. The Canucks were a pathetic 0-for-8 in 15:13 of ice time, giving up two shorthanded goals in the process. What was considered a significant advantage for Vancouver entering the series has melted down into a 1-for-16 skid in the most critical series of the season.
"I think we're playing as a unit out there. Hopefully we're taking away their time and space, and not giving them many great opportunities," said forward Chris Kelly of the Bruins.
Kelly said the Bruins' solid special teams play can be an inspiration. "I think so, and that can go both ways," he said. "There are times when our power play has gone out, gotten four or five shots in the two minutes and hasn't gone in, but it gives us momentum for shifts after that."
Coach Alain Vigneault said the power play is a point of concern, but feels it's improving ahead of Wednesday night's Game 4.
"We looked at it this morning with our units. We're not that far away. We're pretty close," he said. "We're making some good things out there. �Sometimes when it's time to shoot, we're passing, and when it's time to pass, we're shooting. �We're just a little bit off."
Vancouver had 12 shots on the power play in Game 3.
Here's Henrik Sedin on the power play:
Beyond the scoreboard implications, the power play is critical for the Canucks in another area: Making the Boston Bruins pay for their chippy play.
"That's the main thing," said Daniel Sedin. "If the power play gets going, they're not going to be able to play the way they are. Special teams are going to be key."
Noureen DeWulf Nicollette Sheridan Amber Heard Veronica Kay Mýa
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