Bruins draw on 2011 experience after triple-overtime loss to start Cup final

CHICAGO – Boston coach Claude Julien isn’t worried because the Bruins have been here before.

Even after a triple-overtime loss that could demoralize the most veteran of groups, the Bruins are calm and confident the day after Game 1 of the Stanley Cup final.

And they’re letting experience be their guide.

Down one game to the Chicago Blackhawks, Julien recalled trailing the Vancouver Canucks 2-1 in the 2011 final before coming back to win in seven. He also pointed out that the Bruins lost the first two to the Montreal Canadiens at home in the first round two years ago.

So climbing out of a hole is nothing new for Boston, which still has most of its team in tact but might have to play Game 2 on Saturday without right-winger Nathan Horton, who left Wednesday night with an apparent upper-body injury.

With or without Horton, the Bruins have plenty of leaders who know the drill.

The challenge comes in bouncing back from the way the Bruins lost Game 1, in triple overtime on a double deflection that goaltender Tuukka Rask could do little to stop. Julien brushed that off along with several bounces that could have won the game, calling them “hockey breaks.”

The Blackhawks made their breaks in Game 1 and present a formidable challenge for the Bruins to come back from. A day off for the teams Thursday should help players physically, but bouncing back mentally will be a tougher task for Boston.