The Tampa Bay Lightning have the Boston Bruins against the ropes after a 3-1 win in Game 4.
After a two-day hiatus due to the postponement of postseason games, the Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning got back on the ice on Saturday for a critical Game 4. The Lightning took control of the game early and never let go, as they came away with a 3-1 win.
With that win, Tampa now holds a 3-1 series lead over Boston. Meanwhile, the defending Eastern Conference champions are against the ropes after a second straight disappointing performance against the Lightning. They’ll have to overcome a 3-1 deficit if they want to stay in the Toronto bubble.
Let’s take a look at three takeaways from Game 4.
3. Black Lives Matter
It took a while for the NHL to actually say those three words. But they did it.
“When an issue is bigger than the game, we must speak up, starting with three words we need to get comfortable saying: Black Lives Matter.”
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) August 29, 2020
The @TBLightning and @NHLBruins hold a moment of solidarity ahead of their puck drop. pic.twitter.com/MNezYvr4n2
Even when the NHL postponed its games for two days due to the shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin, the league seemed afraid to say those three words. But in a video before the game, those three words were said. And they were powerful.
Obviously, the NHL still has a lot of work to do. The league is still light years behind the NFL and NBA as far as addressing social issues. More has to be done. But this was a significant step forward for the NHL. Hopefully, the league will continue to listen to the Hockey Diversity Alliance and support them. And hopefully, the HDA will continue to push for the bold changes necessary to ensure that hockey can provide a safe, welcoming environment for everyone.
For those who might say “stick to sports”, consider this. Politics and sports have been intertwined for years. Pretty much since sports have existed, sports and politics have often overlapped. Consider how Muhammad Ali was one of the most crucial figures of the civil rights movement. Even hockey’s greatest moment, The Miracle On Ice, had political undertones. These athletes have a unique platform and they’re using it to try to make this world a better place.