Against Panthers, Bruins Victory Came From Stellar Performance by Tyler Bertuzzi
In the city of Boston – on Monday night against the Florida Panthers, Tyler Bertuzzi made his Stanley Cup Playoffs debut after 326 career regular season games. He was the best forward for the Boston Bruins.
To sum up, he seemed to be everywhere.
This image is a screen grab of the game.
To sum up, he seemed to be everywhere.
In the city of Boston – on Monday night against the Florida Panthers, Tyler Bertuzzi made his Stanley Cup Playoffs debut after 326 career regular season games.
He was the best forward for the Boston Bruins.
Bertuzzi noted after his team’s 3-1 first-round triumph, “It kind of felt like my first game as a Bruin all over again.” I’d say we “got the first few shifts out of the way and went on from there.”
Bertuzzi provided much-needed energy and toughness all over the ice for a Bruins club that looked a bit lethargic at points during the night (understandable, considering the virus that’s running through the locker room).
“When we acquired (Bertuzzi), we had thought he was a guy who was made for the playoffs. In his first two shifts, he delivered two monster hits and continued creating plays, in my opinion. He has an uncanny ability to guide the puck and make smart plays with it.”
Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery
Bertuzzi made his presence known immediately.
He made a beautiful backhand pass to set up David Pastrnak’s power-play goal in the first period.
The presence of Bertuzzi’s friend was “just kind of obvious,” he claimed. Every time the ball is near the goal, he’s there. He would take a serious look at the net if I could only get it in there.
Bertuzzi scored a career-high 30 goals for the Detroit Red Wings past season, proving that he can score goals on his own.
However, among the most amazing components of his attacking skill set are his vision and playmaking abilities. Since the beginning of April, in eight games, he has accumulated eight assists.
After Bertuzzi’s power-play goal, Montgomery said, “He has been real elite poise in and around the net.” He scores on an empty net when most other players would have attempted to shove the ball in with their backhand.
The Bruins’ third goal also had a hand from Bertuzzi.
After going hard to the net for the first time in the first period, he did it again in the second and was rewarded with an assist when Jake DeBrusk pushed the puck over the goal line to make it 3-1.
In 18:41 of ice time, Bertuzzi had two assists, three shots, three scoring opportunities, two blocks, and two hits.
He often engaged in puck fights in the difficult, greasy areas of the ice, such as in front of the goal, the corners, etc. Playoff hockey should include more of a power-forward style like this.
Bertuzzi is used to stepping up under pressure. When Grand Rapids of the AHL won the Calder Cup in 2017, he was named the playoffs’ most valuable player.
In 19 playoff games, Bertuzzi scored nine goals and dished out ten assists for a total of 19 points.
Bertuzzi’s clear enjoyment of the playoffs’ higher stakes bodes well for the Bruins, and Monday night certainly won’t be the last time he plays a key role in a Bruins victory this spring.
Great job, he said. Bruins forward Brad Marchand praised him as a fierce opponent and a fighter. There are no doubts in my mind regarding him.
Before, he’s been successful. In Detroit’s journey to the Calder Cup, he was a key factor.
He’s the kind of opponent that brings out the worst in you. Every night he delivers it. His degree of competition is sky-high.
You could always count on him to show up and perform at a high level in the postseason. In the game, he excelled. It was fantastic to see.
