Event of the Day: Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals
Our event of the day is Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals between the St Louis Blues and the Boston Bruins at the Enterprise Center in St Louis. The Bruins hold a 2-1 series lead after a dominant 7-2 victory on Saturday night. With Boston looking to extend their lead and St Louis hoping to tie the series, this is one match you’ll want to watch. St Louis were unable to enjoy the historic night that accompanied Saturday’s Game 3. The Blues were routed 7-2 in the first Finals match played in St Louis since 1970. The win allowed Boston to take a lead in the series. In a very physical match, Boston veteran Patrice Bergeron led an effective penalty kill effort that kept St Louis at bay. Taking away St Louis’ advantage on the power play meant that Boston could focus on shooting, leading to the high score line.
Despite the loss in Game 2, Boston have been in firm control of the series. They have outscored the Blues 13-6 through the first three games. They have shown themselves to be a deep squad with no real line weaknesses. Their thirteen goals have come from eleven players, showing just how versatile and well-rounded the Bruins are. Throughout the playoffs, they have also been aided by spectacular individual performances. Goalie Tuukka Rask has been unstoppable, making 596 saves in 20 games, earning a save percentage of .939. He has allowed an average of 1.91 goals per game, while the offense are scoring 3.5 a game. Trade deadline acquisition Charlie Coyle has also proven himself as an invaluable asset, with 8 goals and 7 assists across the postseason. However, St Louis are far from out of contention. They found themselves down 2-1 against the San Jose Sharks in the Western Conference Final but rallied to take the series 4-2. The Blues excel at playing a physical brand of hockey that allows them to hit hard and slow down their opponents. They have been excellent on the road and it showed as they took Game 2 in Boston. That said, the Bruins are leading in the series as their tendency for early scoring has been shown to pull St Louis out of their game plan. If St Louis can stay focused and stick to the hockey that they play best, they can prevent Boston from running away with the series. Tonight’s match will either put Boston on the edge of a championship or even things out between the two sides. Either way, this is one you won’t want to miss.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the Cricket World Cup, where England face Pakistan at Trent Bridge in Nottingham. This match sees two very different sides take the field. England are 1-0 after a big win over South Africa on the opening day of the tournament. Pakistan, on the other hand, are 0-1 after clearly being on the losing side of their duel with the West Indies. Pakistan are still very much trying to find their momentum while England will look to keep theirs going. It’s sure to be an exciting day of World Cup cricket. Elsewhere, in the WAFL, East Perth hosts West Perth at the Leederville Oval in Leederville. In the MLB, the San Diego Padres host the Philadelphia Phillies at Petco Park for the first game of their three-game series. Also in the MLB, the First Year Player Draft begins in Secaucus, New Jersey. The French Open continues at Stade Roland Garros in Paris. The FIFA U-20 World Cup continues with Round of 16 matches held at venues across Poland.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by NHL, Boston Bruins