BOSTON — Well if you were looking for some entertaining hockey in a pivotal game then you’ve certainly come to the right place early on. However, neither team has been rewarded with a goal and we head into the first intermission tied 0-0.

• I guess Michael Ryder has his playoff spot solidified, huh? After he scored the game-winner to tie the series, the ex-Canadien has been skating well and made arguably the save of the season on Tomas Plekanec with Tim Thomas out of his crease. Looks like he’s silenced his doubters.
• For his part, Thomas has been pretty solid as well making 10 first period saves. His counterpart, Carey Price, made 12 saves and should be up for an academy award after drawing an interference call on Rich Peverley. Again another questionable call to say the least.
• The Habs are 0-for-2 on the power play and haven’t generated many chance. The Bruins are 0-for-1 with Milan Lucic’s semi-breakaway being their best chance with the man advantage.
• Both teams are flying all over the ice trying to use their transition game to generate some offense. As expected, the Bruins have been quite physical and have gotten plenty of chances in front of Price (whether its from deflections or rebounds), while the Habs were flying around using their speed to set up their offense. An exciting second period awaits from TD Garden!