Bedard's Daily Briefing 05.15.19: Tuukka Rask puts Bruins 1 game from Cup; Sale sensational in Sox loss

RALEIGH, N.C. — Good morning!

A few random thoughts while I wonder who Chris Sale ticked off...

• Insane atmosphere, insane game, insane performance by Tuukka Rask as the Bruins won their sixth straight game and are one victory away from returning to the Stanley Cup Finals.


• First, a word about PNC Arena. Have to give the Hurricanes their due ... they put on a great show. The tailgating was ridiculous outside — it was like going to an ACC/SEC football game ... in an arena. The sound system inside was booming. The lighting and effects were great. That stuff can get really cheesy and overwhelming, but they do a great job. And the fans ... they could have packed it in down 2-0, but they were into it the entire time.


• Bruins are one mentally tough group to keep winning in these places.


• What a performance by Rask, especially the first period when the Bruins easily could have trailed 4-0. It left everyone in awe. The Bruins are still the better team, but I think I could make the argument that if it wasn't for Rask, the Bruins could very easily be trailing in this series. Certainly if you swapped goaltenders, that would be the case.


• So I wouldn't go overboard about how good the Bruins have been to this point. They have the proverbial hot goalie. The Blue Jackets or Hurricanes could be doing this with Rask.


• What has gotten into Justin Williams? He's gone full Targaryeon.


• Dougie Hamilton officially took six shots ... felt like 36 with about two landing on frame. He has been pressing so much since the second period of Game 1. It's like he's trying to prove the Bruins and their fans wrong. Way too shot-happy.


• I said it during the game, but I'll say it again: The Bruins' fourth line is pain in the ass to the other team. That's the highest compliment you can pay the Merlots.


• Zdeno Chara had some jump last night. Not sure what got into him.


• Chris Sale had an all-time Red Sox performance ... and they lost.


• Bunch of homers ... and little else for the Sox.


• Weird NBA Draft Lottery. lololol Knicks


• Terry Rozier should never speak again.


• Dontrelle Inman sounds like a taller, slower Chris Hogan.


• Bruce Arena, come on down!

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