Kicking off a five-game road with three games in four days this week against the Buffalo Sabres, the Boston Bruins were able to not only win their fifth straight game, but also gained ground in the East Division standings toward the playoffs.
Tuukka Rask made 34 saves for his 51st career shutout as the Black and Gold beat the Sabres, 2-0. With the win, Boston moves six points clear of the New York Rangers for the fourth and final division playoff spot. Boston has 58 points, while the Rangers remain at 52 following their 6-1 loss to the New York Islanders.
5⃣1⃣ career shutouts.#NHLBruins | @tuukkarask pic.twitter.com/NZo1e2PP78
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) April 21, 2021
Since the Bruins general manager, Don Sweeney, made two trades on April 11 that acquire defensemen Mike Reilly from the Ottawa Senators and forwards Taylor Hall and Curtis Lazar from the Sabres, the Bruins have won five in a row, two by shutout.
Along with the additions through trades, the Bruins are also getting healthy as well. Tuesday night, defensemen Matt Grzelcyk returned to the lineup from an injury, as did Jakub Zboril who missed Sunday’s game with a non-COVID-19 illness.
Tuesday night, the Bruins penalty kill was flawless again, killing all six Buffalo chances, including a 6-on-3 in the third period. On the flip side, Boston’s power play went scoreless in four chances and continues to an issue, despite their winning streak.
After an off-day Wednesday, the two teams will get back at it on back-to-back nights, Thursday and Friday nights in Western New York.