GAME 3 PREVIEW

Situation: The best- of- seven series is tied going into today’s Game 3 in Boston.

Goaltending matchup: The Boston Bruins’ Tuukka Rask vs. the Chicago Blackhawks’ Corey Crawford. Both goalies are giving their teams a chance to win. But we have seen a hint of vulnerability from Crawford on well- placed high shots vs. the Detroit Red Wings and now the Bruins.

Who’s hot: Boston D Zdeno Chara is plus 7 in the last seven games. He is the aircraft control tower, directing how the traffic flow should go.

Who’s not: Yes, Chicago captain Jonathan Toews is a visible presence, playing well defensively, leading his team. But he has only one goal, and Andrew Shaw has more goals ( five) than he has. It would be less bumpy for the Blackhawks if Toews was on top of his offensive game.

Lineup issues: Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville could choose to reinsert Viktor Stalberg into the lineup after benching him for two games. His replacement, Brandon Bollig, lost the puck before the game- winning overtime goal in Game 2.

What the Bruins want to do: 1. Improve the consistency of their starts. They were good in Game 1 and horrendous in Game 2. 2. Pressure, pressure, pressure. Exploit the weakest links in the Chicago lineup. Pressure resulted in both Bruins goals in Game 2, and they victimized D Nick Leddy and Bollig. 3. Continue to have efficient line changes. Bad line changes cost them in Game 1, and they were better in Game 2.

What the Blackhawks want to do: 1. They have to get deflections and screens against Rask, because he will stop what he sees. 2. Develop a killer instinct. They should have buried the Bruins in the first period but could not sustain their high level of play. 3. Get more movement on the power play. It seems like there was too much standing still.