The 2019 Stanley Cup Finals: A Close Analysis of the Boston Bruins vs. St. Louis Blues

The 2019 Stanley Cup Finals were a thrilling series between the Boston Bruins and the St. Louis Blues. Despite their hard work and dedication, the Bruins fell short, losing to the Blues. In this analysis, we will delve into the key moments and strategies that contributed to the outcome of the series.

Underdog Triumph: The St. Louis Blues' Triumph

Often, the common narrative would chalk the Blues' victory to their star goaltender, Jordan Binnington. However, the triumph of the Blues extends far beyond the outstanding performance of the one-man show in net. The series went the full seven games, with the Blues taking considerable momentum.

In Game 7, the critique of the Bruins is poignant. The Blues recorded only 2 shots on goal to win 1-0, while the Bruins had 8, and eventually 30 in the third period without scoring. This overwhelming offensive output by the Blues is a testament to the sharp defensive play and the stellar goaltending of Binnington. The phrase "standing on his head" fails to capture the brilliance of Binnington's performance, as standing on one's head would be easier and less skillful compared to the plethora of saves made.

Blues' Momentum and Strategy

The Blues' strategy was effective and relentless. They focused on exploiting seams and perfect passes, making it difficult for the Bruins to track the play. Specific instances like the play from Tarasenko to Schenn showed the precision and teamwork of the Blues. Binnington's performance was crucial, and it's easy to see why he was pivotal in the series. His ability to be in "Ninja mode" and execute saves at critical moments was key to the Blues' success.

Key Breakdowns for the Bruins

Although the Bruins gave it their all, there were a few breakdowns in the defense that allowed the Blues to score. Two of the Blues' goals were the result of perfect plays. The pass from Tarasenko to Schenn was described as not just a good play, but an absolutely perfect one. This strategic pass allowed for a beautiful goal that Rask, the Bruins' goaltender, could not track due to the perfect execution.

Similarly, Pietrangelo's goal was a result of a defensive breakdown. Despite the goal being scored in the final seconds, it reflected poorly on the Bruins' defensive play. The extra player advantage allowed Pietrangelo to make his move in tight, which Rask was unable to stop due to the late defenseman's play.

Overall Takeaways from the Series

While the Bruins played exceptionally hard and effectively, the series' outcome was largely influenced by the perfect plays and the top-notch goaltending of the Blues, particularly Jordan Binnington. The series went to seven games, indicating that the Blues had the edge in momentum and execution.

The Bruins demonstrated resilience and talent throughout the series, but the final game's stark contrast illustrated the Blues' superior focus and defensive strategies. Binnington's outstanding performance was a significant factor in the Blues' victory, but other critical plays also contributed to the series conclusion.

For the Boston Bruins, the takeaways are clear: continued focus on their defensive strategies and finding solutions for perfect opposing plays will be crucial for future success. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Blues can look to build on their momentum, with Binnington's performances underscoring the importance of goaltending in the high-stakes Stanley Cup Finals.

Keywords: Boston Bruins, St. Louis Blues, 2019 Stanley Cup Finals, Jordan Binnington