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Bruins say the right things about Game 3, Hnidy will take McQuaid’s spot

James Wisniewski, Shane Hnidy

Montreal Canadiens’ James Wisniewski (20) fights with Boston Bruins’ Shane Hnidy during the second period of Game 2 of a first-round NHL Stanley Cup playoffs hockey series in Boston, Saturday, April 16, 2011. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)

AP

When you build up an early lead, it’s almost natural to sag a bit. After all, you’ve acquired some sporting insurance and you’re inherently less hungry than your opponent. If the talent levels are close, losing that heightened sense of urgency can be an issue.

Despite building up a 2-0 lead, the Boston Bruins are saying all the right things as they prepare for Game 3 against the Philadelphia Flyers tonight. It’s not as if they need to search far and wide for an example of how fickle a two-game (and yes, even a three-game) series lead can be, considering the team’s recent history.

The Flyers will be the team facing the biggest changes, as Chris Pronger is expected to miss tonight’s game while Jeff Carter will be a game-time decision. (Naturally, these situations are always subject to change.)

Nope, the only difference for the Bruins is some home cooking and that Shane Hnidy will replace an injured Adam McQuaid. All indications point to Tim Thomas going up against Brian Boucher in the nets, so the biggest changes could be in execution and attitude.

Here’s what the team said about Game 3 against the Flyers.

“If we play well, we’ll be up by another game,” said coach Claude Julien, shedding some light onto the approach in the B’s dressing room. “I don’t think there’s anyone in that dressing room, including coaching staff and players, that are certainly sitting comfortable. This is going to be a tough task, and they’re a good team, and we’re ready to face that challenge.”

(snip)

“For us, it’s about taking all the emotion and energy from the crowd and use it to give us everything that we need,” said Patrice Bergeron. “We need to take whatever we can to do the job at home because that’s going to be huge going down the stretch.”

Game 1 was a blowout, but Thomas really bailed the Bruins out in Game 2. It should be interesting to see if Game 3 has the same neck breakneck pace or if Boston will use home ice advantage to clog things up a bit. Either way, they’re taking the Flyers’ threat seriously, at least on the record.