and since the Canes are either playing the backup or the No. Goalie is NOT their strength, regardless. He's less experienced, but neither one of them had playoff experience coming in so who really cares? I was surprised they didn't make that move after Game 1. more fluid, more intuitive, less paint by numbers.

I think he's a better goaltender than Ullmark, personally. There's a reason they picked up Lindholm at the deadline, and his absence is an issue for their D balance in all phases. Now they'll have to slide Grzelcyk or Reilly into that role. Lindholm had been running point on that unit, and it hadn't shown much. Boston also has to figure out the second PP unit. Between them, this sets up a scenario where McEvoy and Carlo could be looking at serious, serious minutes. Carolina will 100% be looking to light that guy up on the forecheck. That's gonna put a lot of pressure on Carlo to stay home to defend since Reilly is more of a passer than anything else. Presumably they'll slot him in with Carlo and give McEvoy and Grz another go as the top pairing. So, it looks like Mike Reilly replaced Lindholm for Boston, and that sure as heck ain't an upgrade. In other words, it's not the end of the world if the Bruins win tonight, but you don't want to give a team you've kicked like a can all season start thinking they can do this thing. Carolina should be thinking split, but aiming for sweep.

Gord dwyer