Nathan Horton’s Goal Sends Bruins to Cup Finals

In an amazing game 7, Nathan Horton scored the lone goal of the game to help the Bruins reach the Stanley Cup finals for the first time since 1990.

It had a great flow and both goaltenders were outstanding, stopping a combined 61 of 62 shots. Boston goalie Tim Thomas said, “That was as close to a perfect Game 7 as you are going to get.”

Lightning coach Guy Boucher was impressed by his goaltender, “Boston was coming hard. We could feel our energy level going down. A lot of the guys have been drained from the previous series, and Roli really stood the fort there. He was outstanding tonight.”

“It was a one-goal game. Just one goal takes you to the Stanley Cup Finals. So I don't think he could have stopped that puck and I don't think he could have done better than what he did tonight.”

“I mean, 41 years old. Can't do more than that. It's impressive. It's mental toughness. He had a little lull in some of the previous games, and to come back that strong in the seventh game, it's just a credit to the man. That's impressive. That's really impressive.”

This was Horton's second game 7-winning goal.  Bruins coach Claude Julien paised his forward, “I think for a guy who hasn't played in the playoffs for many years, he certainly has kept a lot of energy inside of him and a lot of obviously excitement to go out there and play the way he did.”

The Bruins will face the Canucks in what has the potential to be a fast-pased, fun finals. The first game is Wednesday, June 1st at 8pm. Our preview will be posted shortly.

Game highlights after the jump.