The Bruins ground down the high-flying Blackhawks in the first of Saturday’s semifinals, edging the surprising Hawks 4-2. 

The B’s scored three goals in a span of just over four minutes in the first half, seeing Shane Lavelle, Jet Lee Swift and Austen Humphrey mark the scoresheet. Both Humphrey and Lavelle also notched assists in the win. 

Humphrey scored again to start the second half, and the Bruins appeared to be closing in on a shutout before Drew Holt and Jack Reimann potted goals for the Blackhawks. 

Despite the fire, the Blackhawks were unable to mount a comeback in the last 1:10 of regulation, as Bruins goaltender Benjamin Bullis stood tall between the pipes. 

Five goals will usually get you a win in hockey, but the Penguins weren’t satisfied with the five-spot they posted on the Kings in the first half of the day’s second semifinal.

The Pens added three goals in the second half to thump the Kings 8-3 and punch their ticket to the league finals. 

Adam Eisele and Gavin Best each scored two goals to lead the Pens, with Matt Gleason, Kai Stansberry, Noah Tussey and Will Mortenson all chipping in one goal each. Mortenson also dished out three assists for a game-high four points. Jacob Braccini had a three assists to lead the Kings.