History Will Not Repeat Itself; Bruins Clinch

Just last year the Bruins became only the third team in NHL history to blow a 3-game series lead. This year the Bruins did what was necessary to avenge last years crushing loss to the Flyers. When hearing about last season's downfall, Thomas said, "You have to ignore it to be able to do what we just did, winning the series." Thomas may have had a little more motivation than his teammates. Last year Finnish goaltender Tuuka Rask was elected the starter for the playoffs; Thomas did not see a minute. In game 4 Thomas shined only allowing one goal on 23 Flyer shots. Lucic opened the scoring at 12:02 on a tic-tac-toe play assisted by Nathan Horton and David Krejci. It would remain 1-0 Boston until a Marchand turnover gave the Flyers an odd-man rush. Marchand forced a pass to defender Dennis Seidenburg on a four on four that was picked off by Richards. Richards shoveled the puck to Kris Versteeg who would finish the play by roofing the puck on his backhand over the sprawling Thomas. The second period remained scoreless until a slapshot from Johnny Boychuk found its way through a screen and beat Bobrovsky over the left shoulder. The game was heavily favored in Boston's favor as Thomas didn't see many shots. It would remain tight until 15:03 into the third period. Nathan Horton intercepted a Flyer pass and sent Lucic in on a breakway. Lucic would not miss. TD Garden was sent into bedlam with the Wales trophy in sight. After the Lucic goal Jack Edwards proclaimed, " Summer time is coming to Philadelphia!" The Bruins added insult to injury by adding to more empty net goals by Marchand and Paille. The Bruins will face the Tampa Bay Lightning in the next round.