Boston Bruins' Sean Kuraly Rescues Season With Second Overtime Goal

Boston Bruins rookie Sean Kuraly saved the season with a double-overtime goal in Game 5 Friday night. The Bruins will need two more stalwart performances to pull out the NHL playoff series against the Ottawa Senators.

The Boston Bruins were rescued by rookie Sean Kuraly Friday night.

Not once.

Not twice.

But three times.

OK, so only two counted, but because of the emerging fourth-line center's efforts, the Bruins' season remained intact. Kuraly collected his first two NHL goals, including the game-winner, as the Bruins claimed a 3-2, double overtime victory over the Ottawa Senators in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first-round series.

Despite Friday's come-from-behind triumph at TD Garden, the Bruins trail the seven-game series, 3-2. Game 6 is Sunday at Boston.

After spending a majority of his rookie season with Providence of the AHL, Kuraly has made an instance impact with the Bruins and likely will remain in the lineup. For Game 5, Kuraly replaced Ryan Spooner, centering a line with wingers Frank Vatrano and Tim Schaller. He banked in his first NHL goal from the side of the net, tying Game 5 at 2-all with 2:55 left in the second period.

Publicly, the Bruins spun the roster switch, saying Spooner was not 100 percent healthy. But when the news is followed by the benched player "could dress if he's needed," it generally means the coach needs another element added to the game plan. In this case, Kuraly has more edge to his game, cruising into corners. Spooner is more finesse, a perimeter playmaker.

Digital Debate

As it should have developed, Kuraly was credited with the Game 5 winner. The match probably should have ended earlier.

Skating strong to the net, Kuraly was bumped by Senators defenseman Marc Methot. Off-balance, Kuraly attempted to leap but collided with prone goalie Craig Anderson as the loose puck crossed the goal line at 14:25 of the first OT.  Game over, right? Nope.

After a lengthy review by NHL off-ice officials … no goal because of goalie interference.

[via Twitter.com]

Instantly, along with major NHL social networks, digital debates arose on what exactly is goalie interference. How is it interpreted? Did Kuraly interfere with Anderson before the puck crossed the goal line? Sure. But examine the play again. It was a good, hard hockey play. Kuraly did everything fans want out of big, hulking fourth-line centers. He drove hard to the net and created a scoring chance.

The consensus of the digital debate?

The NHL this off-season needs to review exactly what is goalie interference. For nothing else but a little clarity.

Boston Bruins Need Kuraly

A strong, aggressive skater, Kuraly was acquired by the Bruins for goalie Martin Jones in June 2015. Kuraly plays like a classic Bruins forward, tough and physical. With veteran David Krejci listed as day-to-day following a Game 5 knee-on-knee collision with Senators defenseman Chris Wideman, Kuraly could see a more prominent role for Game 6.

This time, he should be better prepared. Moments before Game 1, Kuraly learned he was going to dress for his first NHL playoff game because Krejci came up lame during the pregame skate. Kuraly also competed in Game 2, before returning to the press box as a healthy scratch for Games 3 and 4. In Game 5, he became part of Bruins playoff lore.

The series could not be played any closer. All five matches were determined by one goal, including two overtimes and Friday's double OT.

The Bruins on Friday were rescued by Kuraly. In order for them to rally and advance to the second round, the rookie, or another teammate, will need to come to the rescue again.

Not once.

But twice.

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