By Chris Maza
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
This is one of those times when I really hate being right.
Game 7 was a microcosm of the entire series, right down to the too many men on the ice penalty that ultimately cost them the game.
Boston played outstanding hockey through most of the first period, executing on power plays and throwing pucks on net while controlling the majority of the play. Then, just like in the series, everything fell apart.
They stopped forechecking. They stopped pressuring Michael Leighton. Tuukka Rask allowed a soft goal and the momentum swung. Then, with the game in the balance, a penalty that can only come from lack of concentration. At a time when a team should be most focused, 3-3 in the third period of a game 7, the Bruins lost theirs and ultimately it cost them.
I wish I could say I was surprised the Bruins lost in such a fashion, but given the character of this team all season, I'm really not. It was a team that at the end of the day could never figure out how to win. Injuries played a role, sure, but the Bruins were not the only team dealing with them.
Now Bruins fans must look to the future, which looks bright with the No. 2 pick in the upcoming draft, but also has some question marks, such as the futures of Mark Recchi, Miro Satan and Tim Thomas.
Does Recchi retire? Did the Bruins see enough from Satan when he shared a line with David Krejci to bring him back in that capacity next season? Will Thomas waive his no-trade clause and free up some cap space to go after a quality scorer?
These are just a few things the Bruins fans will get to mull through their now extended offseason as they try to shake of the sting of forever being associated with the New York Yankees.
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