Through two games, the Boston Bruins' series against the St. Louis Blues has arguably been their most physical series of the playoffs. The teams have brought their hard-hitting, physical natures to the rink and that is part of the reason the Stanley Cup Final is tied at 1 heading to St. Louis.
When asked about the physical nature of the series so far, Bruins fourth-liner Joakim Nordstrom wasn't surprised. He seems to think that the physicality will continue on throughout the series as he told reporters, per the Bruins official Twitter account.
Yeah, absolutely. It's the Cup Finals. You know, guys are going to do whatever it takes to get an edge and to win hockey games. So, it's expected.
Nordstrom has been one of the Bruins' most physical players throughout the postseason run. He has logged 48 hits so far in 18 games, good for second on the Bruins behind Noel Acciari (50). And last game against the Blues, he put forth a great effort as a shot blocker.
In Game 2, Nordstrom got in front of five shots for the Bruins and was a critical part of killing off a four-minute double-minor called against Connor Clifton. On the shift, Nordstrom appeared to get injured on the first of his blocks, but he was able to stay on the ice. He limped around, doing his best Gregory Campbell impersonation, and blocked another shot before getting to the bench.
Nordstrom did return to action in the game and he said that he is no worse for wear after the painful-looking shot block.
Boston Bruins
First of all, I feel pretty good. Obviously, you get maybe a bruise or so, but nothing more than that. Just trying to keep the puck out of the net. Was lucky to be in the right spot there twice.
If Nordstrom can keep ending up in the right spot and keep playing with a physical edge, he could continue to be a difference-maker for the Bruins. He certainly has come into his own this postseason, logging six points in 18 postseason games after totaling just 12 in 70 regular season games.
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