Boston played 20 minutes of high-intensity hockey, but the Tampa Bay Lightning matched it, holding the Bruins scoreless after one period in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden.
The Bruins outshot the Lightning, 15-9, in the opening period and won nine of 17 faceoffs. Tampa Bay had 12 hits in the Period to Boston's 10 while each team recorded eight blocks in the period.
Milan Lucic had a chance to put the Bruins on top 1-0 with a breakaway late in the period, but failed to elevate the puck past Lightning goalie Dwayne Roloson (15 saves).
Tim Thomas was solid in the period as well, turning away nine shots. Andrew Ference had a team-leading three shots in the first period while Brad Marchand, Tyler Seguin and Rich Peverley each recorded two shots.
Tampa Bay did not have a player record more than one shot in the period. Steve Downie led the Lightning with three hits and Mike Lundin had two blocks in the first period.