The Boston Bruins fell 2-1 in Game 4 against the Washington Capitals on Thursday night. Braden Holtby was spectacular in net, turning back 44 shots against to help the Caps tie their opening series of the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at two games apiece heading back to back to Boston for Game 5.
The Bruins outshot the Capitals 14-3 in the first period, but it was Washington who got on the scoreboard first. Just 1:22 into the game, Brooks Laich fed Rich Peverley for a one-timer off of a Bruins turnover in the neutral zone. Alex Ovechkin checked Andrew Ference to the ice to help spring the play.
The Bruins responded just under 12 minutes later when Rich Peverley broke out in the neutral zone down the right side of the ice, feigned pass several times and put the puck through Holtby's five-hole.
The play was the netminder's lone blemish. Tim Thomas played well on the other end of the ice, recording 21 saves, but gave up the game winner late in the second period on a Capitals powerplay. Alexander Semin got the puck in the middle of the left circle and rocked it back and forth a couple times before launching a beauty into the top right hand corner of the net.
A critical Game 5 is for 3:00 p.m. ET in Boston.
For everything Bruins related, check out Stanley Cup Of Chowder. For more news, analysis, and discussion on Capitals hockey, head to Japers' Rink. You can also head over to the SB Nation NHL hub page for more on hockey news as the playoffs begin.