RALEIGH, N.C. — Nobody really liked how the Boston Bruins’ top line played in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference final, particularly the players themselves.

Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak have such a special bond that they know instantly when something is not right.

“When they look out of sync … that’s when we know they have to dial it back in,” Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said. “When they are a little out of sorts in the neutral zone, not making plays to each other, not supporting the puck, it almost turns into three individuals instead of a line."

Assistant coaches sat down with them on Wednesday to show them video from Game 3. It’s not about teaching. These are stars. “It’s more about reminding them what’s made them successful,” Cassidy said.

But Cassidy sensed his big line would have a big night and he was right. The three players combined for four goals and four assists to give the Bruins a 4-0 win against the Carolina Hurricanes, completing the sweep and earning them and a place in the Stanley Cup Final.

The Bruins, making their third trip to the Final since 2011, will play the winner of the Western Conference final between San Jose and St. Louis. The Sharks lead the best-of-seven series 2-1.

New England has the rare opportunity now of possibly holding three of the four major North American sports titles. The Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots are already reigning champions in MLB and the NFL.

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The Bruins' top line’s eight-point night after a poor Game 3 fits perfectly into the Bruins’ postseason narrative. They have won seven consecutive playoff games, outscoring opponents 28-9, because of their attention to details.

Every night someone else has raised his game to lead the charge – an NHL-record 19 different players have scored for the Bruins in this postseason.

On Thursday, captain Zdeno Chara, 42, sat out because of injury, ending a streak of 98 consecutive playoff games played, dating to 2011.

The Bruins responded by playing one of their best defensive games of the playoffs. It was their second shutout of this postseason.

“(Zdeno) is dealing with an injury,” Cassidy said. “We think this time off will help. I believe he will be ready for Game 1 (of the Stanley Cup Final), whenever that is.”

No matter who’s playing or what’s going on in the series, the Bruins have continued to improve every game. You can see momentum building. They are playing with considerable confidence. They may be playing at a higher level than they were when the team won the Stanley Cup in 2011.

Goalie Tuukka Rask has given up two or fewer goals in five consecutive games and 11 of the Bruins' last 13 playoff games.

The Bruins will have a lengthy break – at least a week, maybe more – before the Final starts. Cassidy doesn’t believe it will hurt Rask.

"I see him as a guy in a zone,” Cassidy said. “I don’t see how that will change in a week … he has played a lot of hockey. I think the break will do him so good.”

Boston’s special teams also are carrying it. The Bruins went 7-for-15 (46.6%) on the power play against the Hurricanes. They are 17-for-50 (34%) in the playoffs.

Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour said the special teams were the difference in the series. “When you make mistakes or have unfortunate bounces, great teams go ‘Thank you’ and it’s in the back of your net,” Brind'Amour said.

The Hurricanes only scored five goals in four games against the Bruins.

“We are just trying to find ways to win,” Bruins defenseman Matt Grzelcyk said. “We don’t have to rely on one guy or two guys… when we come to the rink, we know we are going to get a good effort. It doesn’t matter who gets the credit.”