The Boston Bruins won't be a nervous group when the puck drops Wednesday night in Game 7 against the Washington Capitals.
Bruins defenceman Andrew Ference joined TSN Radio 1050 in Toronto on Monday and said that his club, which appeared in three Game 7's during last season's journey to the Stanley Cup, trust each other and are prepared.
"You can look and have no doubt that the guy beside you is not overly nervous and not going to change his game up," Ference said of his team's attitude heading into overtime during Game 6. "It's contagious. Everyone can feed off each other."
Ference, who recorded a goal and assist during the Bruins 4-3 overtime win in Game 6, said that there is a simple philosophy when it comes to a game plan for Game 7.
"The secret about Game 7 is not treating that much differently than every other game," Ference said. "One of the biggest mistakes teams make is trying to change too much because it's Game 7."
One of those players that Ference will trust in Game 7 is goaltender Tim Thomas, who made news during the regular season when he opted to not attend the club's Stanley Cup visit to the White House. Ference was supportive of his goaltender.
"He's up front, he's not hiding anything so honesty is a good virtue whether you agree with the opinions or not," Ference stated. "The thing that nobody ever questions is his competitive level and commitment to keeping the puck out of the net.
"At the end of the day that trumps everything for us."
The veteran blueliner also felt that the Thomas story was overblown, as everyone in the locker room was familiar with Thomas' beliefs. Despite the controversy, the 33-year-old said it was a non-issue.
"We have it figured out. We've got a good thing in our locker room."
