The 2013 Bruins made an exciting run to the Stanley Cup Final (where they ultimately fell to the Chicago Blackhawks in six games), but that run almost ended in Game 7 of the first round.
Down 4-1 on home ice almost halfway through the third period, the Bruins needed a miracle against the Toronto Maple Leafs. And they got it. With 10:42 remaining in the third period, Milan Lucic wrapped around James Reimer’s net and found the open stick of Nathan Horton, who powered a shot past the sprawling goaltender.
The Bruins kept the pressure up over the next few minutes, but the score remained 4-2 with time getting short. With 2:04 remaining in the third period, the Bruins resorted to desperation and pulled goaltender Tuukka Rask. With the net empty and 1:22 showing on the clock, Zdeno Chara took a one-timer leading to an opportune rebound landing on the stick of Lucic, who quickly snapped the puck over a diving Reimer, pulling the Bruins within one.
Now looking for the equalizer, the Bruins did not have to search for long. Just 31 seconds after their third goal, Patrice Bergeron took advantage of Chara standing in front of Reimer’s crease, limiting the goaltender’s visibility. Bergeron’s snap shot from the top of the slot completed the comeback, swung the momentum 180 degrees, and forced a series-deciding overtime.
