Game 5 is a must win for the B's

By Chris Maza
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Sure, technically they still need to lose three more before they're eliminated, but if the Bruins don't win Game 5, they could be done like dinner.

Consider everything the Flyers have going for them at this point. They just got one of their best offensive players back in Simon Gagne. They just won a dramatic overtime game with that player leading the team in shots and scoring the game-winning goal. Sound familiar?

Yes, it's true that while the Bruins are still up 3-1 in the series, the momentum has shifted. Now at least Boston has home ice on its side and now must capitalize on that fact. If not, it could be bad news for the B's.

Given the momentum and confidence that surely would build from beating the Bruins on their ice and the fact that the Flyers have one of the loudest arenas in hockey (behind Montreal and Calgary and right on par with Chicago), Boston cannot want to play another game in Philadelphia.

Imagine the scenario: Facing elimination on their opponents' ice the Flyers capture another win and travel back to Philly for Game 6. They beat Boston at home to send it to a game seven. In that scenario, even with home ice, how confident can the Bruins be in their ability to knock off the Flyers?

Not very, that's for sure, especially without one of its best offensive players in David Krejci. While Krejci hasn't been the most effective players in the season overall, he is still one of the most talented players on the Bruins and has started to prove it in the playoffs with eight points in nine games. In fact, he proved at the Olympics he's one of the most talented players in the world.

The Bruins did return Mark Stuart, which will help, but they lost a huge impact player whom they won't have anyone to replace with. The bench is getting short for the Bruins and they need to end this series on Monday and give themselves some rest. If not, the momentum, confidence and fresh legs could carry Philly right past them.