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Boston Bruins: 5 Studs Against the Capitals

By Scott Roche

Mar 5, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins goalie Jaroslav Halak (41) makes a save on a shot by Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) during the first period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins goalie Jaroslav Halak (41) makes a save on a shot by Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) during the first period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 3, 2020; Tampa, Florida, USA;Boston Bruins defenseman Matt Grzelcyk (48) skates with the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2020; Tampa, Florida, USA;Boston Bruins defenseman Matt Grzelcyk (48) skates with the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Jaroslav Halak

In keeping up with the theme throughout the season, coach Bruce Cassidy alternated goalies, and after Tuukka Rask played in Wednesday’s loss (and played very well to help the B’s earn a point), it was Jaroslav Halak‘s turn and the veteran backup was up to the challenge.

Halak stopped 31 of the 32 shots he faced. The only goal he allowed was a tally by Washington’s Jakub Vrana in the third period with 6:21 left in the game on a well-placed wrist shot from the right circle.

In a game that featured so many storylines and for different reasons, Halak was one of those players whose name you didn’t really hear much, but his performance quietly helped the Bruins build a five-goal lead early in the third period and keep the Caps at bay for the night.

3. Matt Grzelcyk

Since returning from his lengthy absence with an injury, Matt Grzelcyk has proved to be a valuable piece to the Boston blueline. He had a strong skating game, was active all over the ice, and had a hand in the Bruins breaking things open in the middle period.

Although he didn’t register an assist on Frederic’s goal, he stepped, stole a pass, and got the play in motion in the Capitals’ end. Then with just under five minutes remaining in the period, he sent a cross-ice pass to Marchand at the far post, who tapped the puck into an open net.

Like McAvoy, Grzelcyk had an impressive plus-4 through two periods and finished with a plus-3. Grz did a nice job of being aggressive all night and stepping up when he had to.

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