Boston Bruins: 3 keys for victory in Game 6

After winning Game 5, the Boston Bruins have taken a 3-2 series lead over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Can they close out the series on Monday?

After a hard fought battle that was down to the wire, the Boston Bruins emerged victorious in Game 5 against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Up 3-2 in their Stanley Cup Playoffs series, they need just one more win to move on to the Eastern Conference Final for the first time since the 2012-13 season.

However, first the Bruins must deliver the final blow to the resilient Blue Jackets. And they’ve got to do it on the road in what should be an energetic Nationwide Arena in Columbus. Here are three keys for victory in Game 6.

3. Lean on experience

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All year, the Blue Jackets have been fighting for their playoff lives. The wild card race was down to the wire and they have been constantly facing adversity. Each time, the Blue Jackets have shown their resiliency and fought back with everything they have.

When Game 6 rolls around in Columbus, you know they’ll give everything they’ve got. The Bruins need to use the veteran leadership and experience to maintain a cool head and not get overwhelmed.

There are a lot of rookies and players experiencing the playoffs for the first time and luckily for them, they have some of the most established veterans in the league to lean on. Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand, Zdeno Chara, and Tuukka Rask have seen it all and have proven time and time again that they can be counted on when the spotlight shines the brightest.

Game 6 is a huge game and having those veteran presences on the bench and in the locker room will be a huge help for their nerves and morale.

2. Perfection Line

After putting David Pastrnak back on the Perfection Line (Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron), they have been unstoppable. In the last two games, they have combined for eleven points, including six goals. After all the criticism they received through the first and early in the second round, they have bounced back and their regular season dominance has returned.

The Bruins’ strength was this line. Sure, other teams may have more offensive depth than Boston, but their top line is so good that they turn the table. They have been pretty silent during the playoffs but now that they’ve woken up, it will be very difficult for the Blue Jackets to find an answer.

1. Tuukka Rask

In the last minute of Game 5, Tuukka Rask made an unbelievable save to preserve their one-goal lead and will the team into victory. He has been dominant in this series and has not given up more than 3 goals. With the offensive depth and talent the Blue Jackets possess, they’re going to need Rask to continue making the big saves to keep them in the game.

In the playoffs, everything becomes more magnified and every save counts. If Tuukka Rask can stand on his head in Game 6, the Bruins will be set for their longest playoff run since they won the Stanley Cup back in 2012.