SOUTH BEND, Ind – Sean Kuraly‘s goal midway through the third period provided the difference as the Boston Bruins topped the Chicago Blackhawks, 4-2, in the 2019 NHL Winter Classic.
“You want to win those games when you’re on a big stage like that,” Patrice Bergeron said. “I know it’s a regular-season game but you know the meaning is different when you’re playing in front of 76,000 people and on national TV.”
Kuraly’s goal broke a a 2-2 tie as the game was tight back and forth affair.
“As you can tell, it feels pretty good,” Kuraly said. “I’m not the best at hiding my emotions after something like that — and there’s no reason to, I don’t think. So, it was fun.”
Bergeron and David Pastrnak also scored for Boston.
The Bruins improved to 21-14-4.
Tuukka Rask made 36 saves to get the win.
“You get two points but it’s more than just an average game. You’re playing in front of, what, 80,000 people on national TV, two historical franchises. Everyone wants to see a good hockey game and we just want to be on top. It worked out well for everybody, specifically for us,” Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy said after the game.
Brendan Perlini and Dominik Kahun scored for Chicago who dropped to 15-21-6.
“It [stinks] we couldn’t get the win for our fans,” Jonathan Toews said. “It’s a memorable moment for everybody and you want to leave the game feeling better than we are right now.”
With the Hawks pressing late with the extra attacker, Brad Marchand scored an empty-net goal to seal the win.
[WATCH: All Bruins vs. Blackhawks Winter Classic highlights]
Cam Ward made 32 saves in the loss.
“It felt like we were in control for a majority of the game. Falling short doesn’t feel too good. For other guys who have played in outdoor games before, I think this one is right at the top as far as how special it was,” Toews said.
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