In Washington, DC, the Boston Bruins built a 3-0 lead over the Capitals on Wednesday night, and then held off a second period surge for a 5-2 win.
Jim Montgomery won his debut as the new head coach for the Bruins.
“Beginning of the year, nothing’s pretty, but what I really liked is how we stuck together. Guys sacrificing their bodies. There were blocked shots,” Montgomery said.
David Pastrnak had a goal and four points in the win.
Linus Ullmark made 33 saves in the Boston win. Pastrnak and and Patrice Bergeron scored in the first period for a 2-0 lead to Boston.
“We were just outdone a little bit in the first period, the first half of the game,” Capitals coach Peter Laviolette said. “I thought we came out in the second period and even continued to push in the third, but when you fall behind 3-0, you’re going to have a difficult time on a nightly basis winning hockey games.”
Bergeron scored off the power play for a 1-0 lead in the game for the Bruins.
Taylor Hall for a marker in the middle frame for a 3-0 lead.
The Caps replied with goals from Anthony Mantha and Conor Sheary before the end of the middle frame for a 3-2 lead for Boston after 40 minutes.
David Krejci, who had three points on the night, hit for a goal in the third period for a 4-2 lead for Boston and some breathing room.
“It was great, just being around the guys, playing on an NHL rink against the best players in the world,” Krejci said. “I was excited and a little nervous at the same time, but I’m glad we got it done.”
Hampus Lindholm scored an empty-net goal with 65 seconds left in the third period for the 5-2 final.
Boston was 1-for-3 on the power play, the Caps were scoreless in four chances.
“We didn’t get off to the start we wanted. We didn’t just simplify, get pucks in,” Washington defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk said.
Darcy Kuempermade 25 saves in the Caps loss in his debut in Washington.
“I thought we did a good job kind of taking over the game there in that second half,” Kuemper said. “We really dug in, which is a good sign after that early hole.”
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