Boston Bruins Won their second straight game with a win over the Buffalo Sabers

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For the first time in a month, the Boston Bruins have won back-to-back games. After beating the Pittsburgh Penguins, 2-1, Tuesday night, the Bruins won their first meeting of the season with Buffalo Sabres, 4-1, Thursday night in Western New York. The last time they won back-to-back games was Feb. 11 and 13 against the New York Rangers.

Here are some takeaways, notes, and stars of the game for the Black and Gold, who pulled within one point of the Penguins for third place in the East Division.

Takeaways

On Wednesday, the Sabres fired head coach Ralph Krueger and named Dan Granato interim coach. The Sabres played with a little extra jump in their step in the first period, but as the game went on, the Bruins took over the game.

Three nights after giving up two shaky goals in a 4-1 loss to the Penguins Monday night, Jaroslav Halak stopped 23 of the 24 shots he faced. The only goal he gave up was a shorthanded tally by Buffalo’s Kyle Okposo, whose wrist shot deflected off of Matt Grzelcyk’s stick and went under the crossbar early in the second period for the Sabres first shorthanded goal of 2021.
Greg McKegg centered the fourth line as Sean Kuraly was out of the lineup because of the league’s COVID-19 protocols and made he an instant impact. He redirected a Grzelcyk wrist shot from the point just 18 seconds into his shift in the first period for an early 1-0 Boston lead.
Jake DeBrusk and Craig Smith both scored in the second period, which is hopefully a sign that the two can start producing. Smith had one of his better games and finished with three shots on the net. He also hit the post on a slap shot in the second period from the right circle before his goal.
Oskar Steen was back in the lineup for a second consecutive game, while rookie defensemen Jack Ahcan made his NHL debut, playing on the third pairing with Steven Kampfer. In 17:55 of ice-time, Ahcan had three shots on the net.

Mar 3, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins center David Krejci (46) during the second period against the Washington Capitals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

Notes

David Krejci had three assists in the game.
The Bruins outshot the Sabres, 37-24, but Buffalo did not record a shot in the third period until there was 10:01 left in the game and the B’s ahead, 4-1.
David Pastrnak and DeBrusk each had a power play goal. It marked the third consecutive game the Bruins have scored a power play goal.
Trent Frederic played 5:28 of the first period, but did not return for the final two periods and the team announced he suffered a lower-body injury.
In the last eight games, the Sabres are 0-for-19 on the man advantage. The Bruins have killed 29 of their last 32 penalties.
Former Bruin Colin Miller was in the lineup for the Sabres on defense. The Bruins lost Miller to the Vegas Golden Knights in the expansion draft in 2017.
After playing just over 30 minutes Tuesday against Pittsburgh, Charlie McAvoy played “only” 23:07 Thursday. He still was by far and away the leader in time-on-ice.
Grzelcyk and Pastrnak each finished with a team-high six shots on the net.

Stars of the Game

Jaroslav Halak: 23 saves on 24 shots to help the Bruins deal the Sabres their 13th straight loss.

Greg McKegg: First shift he scores his first goal with the Black and Gold. He won eight of his 11 faceoffs.

Craig Smith: He scored his fifth goal of the season, but it might have been one of the better all-around games in a while.

Matt Grzelcyk making a difference offensively. light. Must Read

David Krejci: He had a hand in three of the B’s four goals. Not a bad night for the veteran center.

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