Former Capital Marcus Johansson had a huge impact for the Boston Bruins in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final against the St. Louis Blues. While he didn’t register any points in the Bruins 4-2 win, his play, especially during the first half of the game, earned him second star of the night.
Johansson was traded to the Devils the summer before the Capitals’ successful run to the Cup in 2017-18, then in February 2019 was traded to the Bruins, making this the 28-year-old Swede’s first Stanley Cup Final game.
He is the last former Capitals player left in the playoffs.
Your three stars in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final:
Sean Kuraly
Marcus Johansson
Connor CliftonIf that doesn't tell you what you need to know about this team, I don't know what does.#StanleyCup #NHLBruins
— Jim Clark (@In_The_Slot) May 28, 2019
Johansson did not start out the game looking like a man who was about to put on a clinic.
In the first period, he made the Blues defenders look like they were skating in quicksand. Jordan Binnington owes his goalposts a drink for this save.
After a giveaway in the first, he made up for the mistake with this shot block.
In the second period, he made this incredible between-the-legs move to get past Blues defender Carl Gunnarsson. Unfortunately for the Bruins, Danton Heinen wasn’t able to bury the puck after Johansson delivered him a clever pass right in front of the goal.
It wasn’t all pretty stickwork–this powerful shot from the point during a penalty play made Blues’ goalie Jordan Binnington scramble for the puck.
The Bruins are now three games away from their franchise’s fourth Stanley Cup. Game Two will be on Wednesday.
Johansson will be an unrestricted free agent after this season.
