It was 2-0 less than three minutes in, and, for the Detroit Red Wings, it was over.
The Boston Bruins jumped all over Detroit on Thursday, winning a huge game between the clubs that ties them in the standings with 93 points, with only one game left to play for both.
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The Red Wings played Wednesday, earning a massive 3-0 win at home against the Philadelphia Flyers, and didn't get into Boston until very late Wednesday night - or early Thursday morning, depending on your perspective.
"That was a tough turnaround," Brad Richards said, according to Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press. "They were sitting there waiting for us."
Detroit was outshot 11-8 in the first period, but Boston truly took over in the second and third periods. The shots in the final 40 minutes: 23-7. Detroit mustered only two shots in the third period.
"I think it was a just a little bit of everything," Jimmy Howard, who was pulled after allowing five goals on 28 shots, said. "Having such an emotional high (Wednesday), coming off such a big victory, getting in relatively late last night and having to get up for another emotional game - it was tough. We just didn't have our 'A' game tonight."
"You get down 2-0 right away, that's a hard thing," said head coach Jeff Blashill.
Down 3-1 heading into the third period, the Bruins blitzed again, scoring twice in 45 seconds to end any thoughts of a comeback.
"Those first two shifts in the third period killed the game," Henrik Zetterberg said.
There are a number of scenarios by which the Red Wings can make the playoffs. The simplest: Beat the Rangers on Saturday in New York. Win and they're in.
The postseason streak's on the line. Rest up, Red Wings.
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