Boston Bruins: 3 Stars of the Week

Feb 1, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo (25) scores the go ahead goal on Washington Capitals goaltender Vitek Vanecek (41) in the third period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo (25) scores the go ahead goal on Washington Capitals goaltender Vitek Vanecek (41) in the third period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
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UNIONDALE, NEW YORK – JANUARY 18: Brandon Carlo #25 of the Boston Bruins skates against the New York Islanders at the Nassau Coliseum on January 18, 2021 in Uniondale, New York. The Islanders shut-out the Bruins 1-0. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
UNIONDALE, NEW YORK – JANUARY 18: Brandon Carlo #25 of the Boston Bruins skates against the New York Islanders at the Nassau Coliseum on January 18, 2021 in Uniondale, New York. The Islanders shut-out the Bruins 1-0. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The Boston Bruins just completed their four-game road trip through Washington and Philadelphia with a very impressive 3-0-1 record. The trip featured third-period rallies in each game that helped the Bruins secure seven out of a possible eight points.

There were several players that stepped up and played a big role in the Bruins’ comebacks in each game. Here are three Bruins that stood out as they head into a four-day break.

3. Brandon Carlo

It is very rare to find Brandon Carlo‘s name on the scoresheet after a game as producing points, but Monday night against the Capitals, Carlo had a big hand in the Bruins rally.

He assisted on a second-period goal by Davis Pastrnak to cut the deficit 3-1 and then played a big part in the four-goal Boston third period that completed their comeback against the Caps.

Goals from Pastrnak and Craig Smith tied the game with just under seven minutes left. The Bruins continued to carry the play against the stunned Capitals and the relentless Boston forecheck paid off.

Sean Kuraly collected the puck behind the Washington net and fed a pass to Carlo who blasted a slap shot from the right circle over the shoulder of Capitals goalie Vitek Vanecek and under the crossbar with 2:36 left for the game-winning goal. It was Carlo’s second tally of the season.

Brad Marchand closed out the scoring two minutes later with an empty-net goal, but Carlo’s goal capped a wild Black and Gold comeback in the final 27 minutes to leave the Nations Capital with a victory.

Carlo failed to record a point in the two games against the Philadelphia Flyers, but his long reach frustrated the Philly forwards in both games.