Despite the Vancouver Canucks controlling the run of play in the first period, the Boston Bruins jumped ahead where it mattered, taking a one goal lead into the second period of Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals on Rich Peverely's goal. And in the second period, Vancouver kept firing, but with Tim Thomas holding his own as a brick wall in net, the Canucks were unable to punch through the fortress. It was only a matter of time before Boston punched back and added another goal.
Michael Ryder gave the Bruins cushion midway through the period, beating Roberto Luongo to give Boston a commanding 2-0 lead with just over eight minutes to go in the frame. Tyler Seguin and Chris Kelly were credited with the assists. Just about three minutes later, Boston struck again as Brad Marchand took advantage of a four-on-four, unleashing a backhand during a scramble in front of the net to give the Bruins a three-goal advantage. Patrice Bergeron was given the assist on Marchand's goal.
Thomas has seen 21 shots and saved each of them thus far, while Luongo has seen only 13, allowing three to find the back of the net. Once again, Thomas has been superb, and is a big reason Boston is up in Game 4 and just over 20 minutes away from evening the series.
With six minutes to go in the second, it's Boston on top of Vancouver, 3-0.
For more on Game 4, be sure to stay with our Stanley Cup Finals StoryStream throughout the evening. More on the game can be found over at Nucks Misconduct, SB Nation's Vancouver Canucks blog, and Stanley Cup of Chowder, SB Nation's Bruins blog.