Stanley Cup Finals: 5 Changes the Boston Bruins Need to Make

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Momentum shifted once again as the Vancouver Canucks defeated the Boston Bruins 1-0 in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

Roberto Luongo was able to bounce back from two sub-par performances in Boston and the Canucks were able to establish physical play after being run out of the TD Banknorth Garden.

A timely third-period goal by Maxim Lapierre was all the Canucks would need to secure a victory.

Now, once again, the Bruins find themselves in a position where they must scrap their way back into the series.

Here are five changes the Boston Bruins need to make or else they will fall short of reaching the holy grail of hockey.

More Ice Time for Tyler Seguin

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In Game 5, Tyler Seguin was only on the ice for 9:02. 

He could be a difference maker. With Nathan Horton done for the series, Seguin could fill the Bruins offensive void. Seguin could also help out with the struggling power play.

Seguin has already shown he can perform in the postseason. Remember his four-point performance in Game 2 of the Easter Conference Finals?

Dominate the Physical Play

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One of the major keys to the Bruins success in Games 3 and 4 was their ability to establish physical play.

They not only beat the Canucks, they punished them.

To win Game 6, the Bruins will have to aggressively forecheck the thinning defensive corp. of the Canucks. This may lead to an untimely Canucks turnover that could determine the game.

The Bruins have the ability to take away the Canucks will to win, as was the case in Games 3 and 4.  

An Efficient Power Play

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This has been the Achilles heel of the Bruins all postseason. In game 5, the Bruins had three unsuccessful power play attempts in the first period and went 0-for-4.

One way to shake things up would be putting Zdeno Chara on the point instead of in front of the net. This way, his powerful shot could be utilized. A player like Milan Lucic could be put in front of the net.

As stated before, Tyler Seguin should be given some opportunities on the power play unit.  

Play an Up-Tempo Game

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Although the Bruins have mostly struggled on special teams, they have, for the most part, been the better team 5-on-5.

With that being said, the Bruins need to attack instead of playing passive. After all, their backs are up against the wall.

The Canucks like to prey on other teams' mistakes, but the Bruins are a smart team, and they have Tim Thomas to cover up most mistakes.

Another benefit of playing an up-tempo game is that they can wear down the Canucks thinning defensive corp. A fast-paced game will force the Canucks to play Christopher Tanev and Andrew Alberts more. 

Get to Roberto Luongo

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Roberto Luongo has been Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde this series. He has two shutouts, but during another two-game stretch has allowed 12 goals in two games.

Even if the Bruins can't score an early goal, which would also be beneficial, they must constantly harass Luongo to try and rattle him. This shouldn't be too difficult as they'll likely have a little extra fuel from Luongo's comments toward Thomas.

Even if they cannot shake Luongo, they may be able to induce a retaliatory penalty from the Canucks.