The Bruins’ 5-4 overtime victory in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals had the perfect ending, as Marc Savard potted the game-winner in his first game back from a concussion.
“You couldn’t script it any better,” said Savard. “I love playing here. The crowd has treated me great.”
The game-winning goal capped a frantic overtime in which Boston outshot the Flyers 15-4. While two Flyers’ goals in the final eight minutes tied the game at 4-4, the B’s played some of their best hockey of the season, going hard to the net and creating many chances.
Now, the Bruins must come down from that excitement and get back to work when they bring their 4-0 home playoff record into Game 2. After going just 18-17-6 at home in the regular season, the B’s defense of home ice has been vital in their surprising playoff run.
The bad news? They will have to go forward without the services of Marco Sturm, who will miss the remainder of the postseason after tearing his ACL and MCL in the early minutes of Game 1. Shawn Thornton, who was scratched to make room for Savard, is expected to go back into the lineup.
