There was no reason for them not to win last night. No Nylander. Huge advantage in goal and on defense. You need to win these games to make it a short series. They had rolled them five straight and this loss was about effort and urgency.
could and should are two different things
The bruins absolutely could have won game 2, and nearly did, it took losing a defensemen and an illegal play by Mathews to seal the deal - the bruins definitely were playing like they were going to lose regardless, but it is irritating the refs didn't take a look at that (no idea if those plays are reviewable but they should be just like offsides), he clearly closed his glove on the puck. Had it Been a bruins goal by Pasta I seriously question that Toronto war room doesnt make a call to the refs
But expecting the bruins to just win regardless is foolish, and like I said, I certainly hope the bruins don't have that mentality because it gets any team in any sport into trouble
The bruins might have statistically better goaltending and d, but that starts to become a lot more even when A) the opposition has way more offensive talent and B) are playing a style that forces the bruins to run around and constantly try to get the puck out instead of pushing the play.
I would also argue that it's worse to lose one of your defensemen during the game than it is to lose a 90 point winger ahead of time and have a full roster, especially when that defensemen's play is one of your best - but losing even Gryzz during that game puts more pressure on the 5 guys that are left.
Once I heard Peeke was out, I knew that if the Bruins pulled off a win it would show tons of guts and I would have a lot of faith in them going forward. People need to stop underestimating Toronto.
