The Boston Bruins faced the Pittsburgh Penguins for the first time of the season last night and won by a score of 3-2 in overtime. This was the Black and Gold’s third straight win while it also put an end to the four-game win streak of the Pens.
This game was mostly dominated by the B’s. After the first period, Boston was up 1-0, thanks to a beautiful shorthanded goal scored by left wing Brad Marchand. The B’s were also outshooting Pittsburgh 11-6 after the first period. The only issue was once again Boston’s discipline.
It was much of the same in the second period. The B’s dominated for most of it but took a lot of penalties. The score after the second was 2-0 as Nick Ritchie scored yet another powerplay goal.
The third period was the downfall for the Black and Gold as they allowed two goals in the frame. The first goal was scored by Jason Zucker with goaltender Tuukka Rask seeming to be hurt as he couldn’t get up from his knees. However, he stayed in the game. The second goal was scored by Kasperi Kapanen with him driving to the net and getting the puck passed Rask.
Overtime was exciting, it was back and forth and had breakaways, 2-on-0’s, and even 3-on-0’s. The Pens had the 3-on-0 but ultimately failed due to too many passes by center Evgeni Malkin and defenseman Kris Letang and they allowed Rask to poke the puck away. Malkin also had a breakaway chance but hit the crossbar.
The game was ultimately decided thanks to a Boston 2-on-0 with David Krejci and Craig Smith as Smith got a shot passed net minder Tristan Jarry.
3. The Boston Bruins need to be better at defending opponents driving to the net.
Overall, the B’s defense has been pretty good so far this season. However, one thing that has been an issue is defending players driving to the net. This has resulted in collisions with their goalie and goals against.
While this hasn’t necessarily been an issue for a few games now, it was an issue last night. The Penguins consistently drove to the net and created scoring opportunities.
This started early in the game as Jake Guentzel drove to the net in the first period and made contact with Rask, knocking him into his own net. No penalty was called, but it seems like goalie interference isn’t call nowadays unless it results in a goal.
Additionally, Pittsburgh’s second goal was scored because Kapanen was able to drive to the net. If the Black and Gold are able to effectively defend this power move, they win the game in regulation.