The Boston Bruins did something Thursday night few in the NHL have managed to accomplish.
They dominated the Tampa Bay Lighting in a 4-1 victory.
The win extended the Bruins point streak to 15 games and ended the Bolts’ 10-game win streak.
Jake DeBrusk got the Bruins started with a goal in the second – file photo by Lewis Bleiman
Tuukka Rask needed to make 20 saves in the decision and the Bruins had a 4-0 lead before Anthony Cirelli broke through at 13:52 of the third period.
Tampa had played a tougher than expected New York Rangers team on Wednesday night, defeating them in overtime.
“We were sitting here waiting for them, they played last night, that generally factors into it,” Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy said of the Lightning, who won 4-3 in overtime at the New York Rangers on Wednesday. “We’re playing for a little bit more than they are I think as well in terms of the standings, so some of that factored into our urgency. But I think we did want to put our best foot forward, the team that knocked us out (of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the second round) last year. I wouldn’t say a message, but we wanted to let them know that we’re a good hockey club as well and we’ve changed a little since the last time we’ve seen them (a 3-2 loss Dec. 6).”
Jake DeBrusk opened the scoring in the middle frame to give the Bruins the lead.
“It feels good to win,” Zdeno Chara said. “It’s a big game and obviously a really good team we played tonight. It was a closer game, I would say, than maybe what the score showed. But of course we’re going to enjoy this one and get ready for the next one.”
Boston broke the game open with three quick strikes by Jake DeBrusk, Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand.
“I think we’re confident right now. That goes a long way when everybody’s feeling good about themselves. And even if some guys have a bad night, other guys are stepping up and having big games,” Marchand said of the Bruins run.
[WATCH: All Lightning vs. Bruins highlights]
Louis Domingue made 37 saves in the loss.
“Today I felt bad for Louis,” Steven Stamkos said. “He played outstanding, gave us a chance going into the third, one goal, and we just didn’t have it tonight. It felt like we were in quicksand and they played really well. You’ve got to give them credit. Maybe this was a little bit of something that was coming for us. We didn’t think we were playing well lately and we played a good team like this, and they definitely had more of the energy and played a better game than us.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.