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Boston Bruins: 3 Takeaways From a 6-2 Win Over Buffalo

By Scott Roche

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 01: Craig Smith #12 of the Boston Bruins celebrates with Taylor Hall #71 after scoring a goal against the Buffalo Sabres during the first period at TD Garden on May 01, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 01: Craig Smith #12 of the Boston Bruins celebrates with Taylor Hall #71 after scoring a goal against the Buffalo Sabres during the first period at TD Garden on May 01, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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May 1, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins center Sean Kuraly (52) tries to gain control of the puck while Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (26) defends during the second period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins center Sean Kuraly (52) tries to gain control of the puck while Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (26) defends during the second period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Bruins have a strong first period.

This season, the Bruins have struggled in the first period of afternoon games, but Saturday, it was a different story. They looked like a team that was in search of points to extend their lead in the playoff race.

Craig Smith opened the scoring just 1:21 into the game with his first of three goals when he tipped in a David Krejci pass in front of the net.

Boston outplayed the Sabres for much of the period, but their two power play chances that ended up being back-to-back actually cost them. Mattias Samuelsson was called for tripping with one second left on a Riley Sheahan penalty giving the Bruins a 5-on-3. On the ensuing faceoff won by the visitors, Jacob Bryson lofted a pass to center ice to Sheahan coming out of the penalty box and he beat Jeremy Swayman to tie the game.

The Bruins failed to score on the power play in the first period and it was really the only time in the 20 minutes where they didn’t outplay Buffalo.

Sean Kuraly scored his first goal in 31 games late in the period for a 2-1 Bruins lead when he knocked in a bouncing puck. Overall, the Bruins did a nice job of getting pucks to the net in the first period and outshot Buffalo, 17-4. Bruce Cassidy could not have asked for a better start to the game from his team. The Bruins finished the game outshooting Buffalo, 43-19. Total domination.

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