The Boston Bruins were in need of a strong performance following a 5-1 loss in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference playoff series against the Carolina Panthers. The Bruins started strong, skating well and creating a couple scoring opportunities. However, the game took a turn when Bruins forward David Pastrnak collided with Hurricanes goalie Antti Raanta, leaving him bloody and out of the game.
That incensed the crowd and energized the Hurricanes. They went on to score three of the game's first four goals. Late in the second period leading 3-1, things got really physical.
Hampus Lindholm needs help getting off the ice after this hit from Andrei Svechnikov. pic.twitter.com/kiHjVBTym6
— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) May 5, 2022
Bruins defenseman Hampus Lindholm skated with the puck from behind his net with his head down. That's generally never a good idea. Hurricanes' Andrei Svechnikov absolutely blasted him, sending his stick flying to the ice. Lindholm had to be helped off the ice.
Following the hit, fans online went bananas reacting. Some of them claiming it was a cheap shot taken up high, others saying it was clean.
All former ducks getting hit hard . Rakell and now lindholm😬
— Carlos Ramirez (@activekid22) May 5, 2022
Hate to see a guy get hurt but thats a clean hit. Didn't hit him in the head, Lindholm had his head down and had no idea it was coming. Shoulder to chest and he just got rid of the puck.
— Branden Hrychuk (@chewker87) May 5, 2022
Great, big hit! Svech is a beast. Hopefully it isn't anything serious for Lindholm tho. https://t.co/EBeD9HHbJ2
— Miro (@FinskKungen) May 5, 2022
One of the biggest hits I've seen in a long time. Svechnikov is a special breed.
Hope Lindholm's OK. Kudos to Ullmark for trying to keep him on his feet and prevent him from attempting to go into the scrum. https://t.co/OZDOBVhruy
— Josh Wegman (@JoshWegman_) May 5, 2022
Bruins Talk : I do not give damn but how looking back at that Lindholm hit , did the Bruins end up in on the PK ?? Seriously , the NHL refs are crap .
— RegSchofield😷Masking👊vigilante🇨🇦 (@spurg63) May 5, 2022
That last fan is referencing the penalty the Bruins were assessed for the scrum that ensued after the hit. They were then whistled for another penalty and were down 5-on-3 for the second time of the game. The Hurricanes then scored another power play goal, taking a 4-1 lead.
Lindholm was later ruled out for the remainder of the game. If he misses time this series, that's a massive blow to the Bruins. Lindholm was one of the NHL's key acquisitions at the trade deadline, helping Boston along the blue line.
It appears the Bruins are going to have to win four out of five against a Hurricanes team that has dominated them all year.
Â
Follow Us
Subscribe