Boston Bruins: Jaroslav Halak shuts down Sabres, Bruins win 3-0

Jaroslav Halak made 26 saves to earn his fourth shutout of the season for the Boston Bruins.

The Boston Bruins came out of the holiday break with a road matchup against the Buffalo Sabres. Given Buffalo’s place in the standings, this was a great opportunity for Boston to widen the gap in the Atlantic Division.

Thanks to strong goaltending from Jaroslav Halak and more dominance from the top line, the Bruins leave Buffalo with two points. The final score was 3-0.

Game recap: Bruins vs. Sabres

Boston and Buffalo trades chances in the first period, and for some time early on the Sabres carried most of the play. However, it was the Bruins that broke through with the first goal.

Patrice Bergeron gave the Bruins the lead with a power play goal late in the first period. David Pastrnak set the play up as he controlled the puck up top, sold shot, and then passed to Bergeron.

The Bruins had a stronger second period with the lead, and Bergeron again scored a goal late in the period. This time, Bergeron, Pastrnak, and Brad Marchand connected on a beautiful passing play to extend the lead.

Plays like this are why Bergeron, Pastrnak, and Marchand form the most dominant line in the NHL. When they are on their games, no team can stop them.

As we all expected, Buffalo had a great start to the third period. Fortunately, Halak and his defenders were up to the task all night. The Bruins did well to limit Buffalo’s chances even as the Sabres maintained possession.

In the end, Brandon Carlo scored a much-earned empty-netter to close out the game for good. The Bruins won 3-0.

Jaroslav Halak is the player of the game for the Bruins

Bergeron and Carlo had impressive games, but Halak really made the difference against the Sabres. He finishes as the player of the game for the Bruins.

Halak saved all 26 of Buffalo’s shots for his fourth shutout of the season. This was also the 50th shutout of his career.

Although his play late in the game stands out, Halak was especially solid in the first period. He made a number of quality saves to keep the game scoreless. Then, once the Bruins got the lead, he made sure they kept it.

Halak is such a big part of Boston’s success this year. He partners with Tuukka Rask to give the Bruins the best goalie tandem in the lead. That pays off now, and it will pay off even more when both players are rested at the end of the season.

The Bruins and Sabres now head to Boston for game two of the home-and-home. Let’s hope Rask stands as tall as Halak did on Friday night. If so, the Bruins can take all four points from the Sabres.