Zdeno Chara looks on during Game Two against the Lightning. (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
BOSTON (WBZ-AM) -- Bruins thumped the Lightning 6-2 to open the conference semifinals, then lost last night 4-2.
Most would say they did their job, earning a split in Tampa before heading home for Game 3, but B's coach Bruce Cassidy isn't quite as satisfied after taking Game 1.
"We play to win every game," he said. "I'm not trying to be arrogant, that's just how we prepare, win or lose. So we're going to go prepare to win Game 3, and when Game 4 comes, we'll prepare to win Game 4. Listen, we don't mind our situation, don't get me wrong, but we prepare to win."
Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand, and David Pastrnak totaled four assists in the loss, but the Bolts were more physical, more aggressive, more opportunistic, and certainly less sloppy. Officiating didn't help Boston either, but the Bruins can't blame the officials for two lengthy stretches without a shot.
Charlie McAvoy know this series will be a grind.
"Down to the last eight teams in the league, every team that's here belongs here," he said. "These guys are a great team, we were battling with them all year for first place in the standings. We know they're a good team, but we're a good team as well, so this is going to be a tight series ... I don't think anybody doubts that, I think everybody could have probably forecasted that. But we feel confident in ourselves."
Puck drops Wednesday at 7 p.m.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Adam Kaufman reports