Bruins/Islanders: Game 4

In Game four of the series, the Islanders pervade a sense of desperation in their game, and for good reason. In such a contested series, no team at this stage of the playoffs can afford to go 0-2 in their own barn. If we thought game three was overly physical, then the first period of game four set the bar that much higher. Two separate bare-knuckle brawls in between a major scrum to set an early tone. Four minutes into the second period while on the powerplay, Bruins invade the Isle's crease and in a tussle pass the puck across to David Krecji, who scores his first playoff goal of the season. After a quick look, the good goal is confirmed and the Bruins are awarded another power play. Two and a half minutes later the Islanders just tie the game on Palmeri out in front, 1-1. The game plays on and continues and is highlighted by turnovers, no calls by the officials, big goaltender play, and even bigger defensive play all the way down to seven minutes left in regulation. Matthew Barzal gets it put up on a T and puts home the 2-1 Slapper to put the Islanders ahead. Casey Cizikas and JG Pageau seal it with empty-net goals. Islanders win 4-1. Bottom line: Islanders just fought a little bit harder and outshot the Bruins 34-29.