The Boston Bruins aren't fancy. The Pittsburgh Penguins are.
So, fancy that the Bruins devoured the Penguins in the Eastern Conference finals. They finished a four-game sweep with a 1-0 victory Friday night in Boston. The victory completed one of the most dominant series in NHL playoff history.
For instance, defenseman Paul Martin led the Penguins with two points. Those would be on the only two goals scored by Pittsburgh -- in the series. Boston goaltender Tuukka Rask was beyond brilliant, with a save percentage of .985, a goals-against of 0.44.
Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin had never gone four consecutive games without scoring a point.
How about them #bruins get at your dog!!!!!
— Julian Edelman (@Edelman11) June 8, 2013
Though dominated by Boston, the Penguins went out with class.
Congratulations, @nhlbruins. Good luck in the #StanleyCup Final
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) June 8, 2013
Few teams are greater reflections of the city they play in than the Boston Bruins.
No matter what stars have filled the roster -- Bobby Orr, Phil Esposito, Ray Bourque, for starters -- the team has always played in the lunchpail image of Boston. Hard-working, hard-checking. And, most of all, resilient.
Boston has faced testing times since the April 15 Boston Marathon bombings. The tragedy was staggering. But Boston wasn't about to back down or back off.
The Bruins struggled after the bombings. They had games postponed -- the first coincidentally against Eastern Conference finals opponent Pittsburgh. They finished the season 2-5 in the last seven games.
The start of the playoffs was promising, surging to a 3-1 lead against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
"I've been here for six years," coach Claude Julien said. "I think I've been fired five times."
That fifth time was probably late in the third period of Game 7 of the opening round against the Maple Leafs. The season seemed doomed. Down, 4-1, the Bruins appeared destined to an unceremonious exit, having blown a 3-1 lead in the series.
And then, it happened. Three goals, including two with the goaltender pulled for an extra attacker. The overtime goal was almost a given as the miracle comeback advanced the Bruins.
Since, Boston is 8-1 and has been invincible. Rugged, strong and proud, the Bruins doused the Rangers in five games and scorched the Penguins in four.
Up next, either the Chicago Blackhawks or Los Angeles Kings in the Stanley Cup Finals.
Bring home the Stanley Cup! #Bruins
— Andrew Bailey (@AndrewBailey40) June 8, 2013
Boston -- and the Bruins are getting stronger, by the day and the series.
Great crowd tonight!! Got through my live shot without any fans cursing #win #BruinsCoverage Go B's!!!!!!
— Sarah French (@SarahSFrench) June 8, 2013
