Boston Bruins: 3 takeaways from Monday's 5-3 comeback win over the Capitals

3 of 3

Feb 1, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak (88) skates with the puck as Washington Capitals right wing Garnet Hathaway (21) defends in the third period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

For the second straight game, the Boston Bruins fell behind 3-0 against the Capitals and came back from this deficit, but this time they were able to win. Unlike Saturday, the B’s didn’t allow this game to go to overtime as they managed to score five unanswered goals on the Caps to hand them their first regulation loss of the season.

Last night’s came started the same way as Saturday’s, with the Black and Gold dominating play. However, the Caps were once again able to capitalize (no pun intended) on their limited chances and bring a 2-0 lead into the second period (this would’ve been a 3-0 lead if it wasn’t for a risky, yet successful, offside challenge on what would’ve been Washington’s first goal by head coach Bruce Cassidy).

Like Saturday, the second period scoring opened up with the Caps scoring to extend their lead to 3-0. And once again, just like Saturday, the B’s scored their first goal just over halfway through the second period. Once again the Black and Gold would have to overcome a 3-1 deficit in the third period.

Just like Saturday, the B’s were in fact able to comeback after trailing 3-0 in the second period. However, unlike Saturday, they didn’t wait until the literal last minute to tie the game, allowing them to pull ahead in regulation and avoid overtime. Boston would score five unanswered goals, including four in the third period to give Washington their first regulation loss at a score of 5-3.

3. David Pastrnak is back for the Boston Bruins.

I know David Pastrnak came back Saturday, but he seemed a bit rusty. His shots were off and he didn’t seem as fluent with his stick-handling and decision making.

Last night was a different story.

Pasta looked as though he completely shook off the rust that was weighing him down on Saturday. He was quicker and smarter with his decision making, fluent with his stick-handling, and more accurate with his shots.

Because of this, Pastrnak was able to score his first two goals last night and they were both in vintage Pastrnak style. The first goal was a one-timer from Brad Marchand and the second was a turnaround snipe from the high slot.

With last night’s performance, Pasta now has three points in two games, which is, although a small sample size, right where we would expect him to be in regard to point pace.

Jan 30, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) and Boston Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo (25) battle for the puck in the first period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

2. The Boston Bruins’ defense was the reason for trailing and being able to come back.

Last night, the B’s defense didn’t start well. They were weak, not aggressive, and just looked bored and not ready for the game. Charlie McAvoy was trying to do too much and turnover the puck a few times and the penalty kill allowed John Carlson to walk in and snipe Jaroslav Halak.

However, the defense did a complete 180 after the Carlson goal. They started to jump in on offense and play more aggressively in their own zone, shutting down the Caps’ offense.

While the defense was big part of the Black and Gold falling behind 3-0, they were also a big part in them coming back. At the end of the game, four Boston defensemen scored at least a point, and two of these points were game-changers.

Jeremy Lauzon set up the game-tying goal scored by Craig Smith with a beautiful cross-ice pass. Brandon Carlo had a goal and an assist. His goal was ultimately the game-winning goal with a one-timer snipe over the shoulder of Vitek Vanecek. Jakub Zboril and McAvoy both had assists on Pasta’s second goal.

So, while the defense was a huge reason why the team fell behind early, they were also a large factor in making the comeback and winning the game in regulation.

Feb 1, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Jakub Vrana (13) shoots the puck on Boston Bruins goaltender Jaroslav Halak (41) in the third period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

1. The Boston Bruins cannot make falling behind early a trend.

The last two games have been an emotional rollercoaster for Bruins fans. Both games saw Boston come back from 3-0 deficits. While these type of games are thrilling, the B’s cannot make this type of play a trend.

Falling behind early isn’t a way to win games, it’s how you use them. The B’s were lucky these past two games that Washington was shorthanded without center Evgeny Kuznetsov, starting goalie Ilya Samsonov, and for the first game defenseman Dmitry Orlov.

I whole-heartedly think if the Caps had all three of these players for these two games, they wouldn’t have let the Black and Gold come back. With Kuznetsov out, T.J. Oshie was playing out of position at center and the Caps were relying on rookie goaltender Vanecek, who has played well so far but has been shaky at times.

The next two games for the B’s will be against the Philadelphia Flyers. Boston has played them already this season and started their strong offensive play in the third period of the two team’s first matchup and are 2-0 against Philly this season.

Next. Bruins home/away goal differential early in 2021 is concerning. dark

However, since these two games, the Flyers have been playing much better and the Bruins could have their hands full, especially if they fall behind early like the last two games against the Capitals.

Home / Bruins News