Bruins Move Forward after NHL Blunder

(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Milan Lucic's stick to the head of Maxim Lapierre was a clear head shot, and therefore Lucic is suspended.

Donald Brashear's elbow to the head of Blair Betts: a clear head shot, and therefore Brashear is suspended.

Scott Walker punches Aaron Ward in the face: a clear head shot, and therefore Walker is suspended.

Wait, Walker wasn't suspended. He assumed Ward was going to fight him, so he threw the first punch. Excellent, Walker, you are a savior, your head shot is perfectly alright, we'll just fine you $2,500 so that it looks like we care.

Since when did the NHL, who suspended Sean Avery for remarks made off the ice, care about the excuses of the players? They didn't believe Lucic or Brashear, but they believe Walker?

I give the Bruins credit for taking the high road in this situation. Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli said in a press release, "We respectfully disagree with the NHL's ruling to rescind the automatic suspension to Scott Walker, but we will abide by the League’s ruling."

However, putting Walker aside for a second, we still have a hockey game tomorrow night.

The Bruins look to continue the way they played in Game Five, while the Hurricanes want to revert to the way they played in Game Two. The key to Game Six tomorrow night in Raleigh is Aaron Ward. If Ward can't go, then the Bruins will be forced to call someone up for the biggest playoff game for the Bruins this season.

With or without Ward, the Bruins will come out firing against Carolina goalie Cam Ward. However, if Ward doesn't play, many will question what will occur if the game is tight late. Will the extra defenseman help get the Bruins back to Boston with smiles, or will he cost the Bruins their best shot at the Cup since 1990.

If Ward plays, the Bruins should play well and win; however, without Ward, it is a toss up.

Prediction: Boston 3, Carolina 1

Ward plays, Kessel, Ryder, and Axelsson will score for Boston, Walker for the Canes.

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