Boston Bruins Recap: Chemistry Lab Line Explodes for Bs Win

The Boston Bruins hosted the Dallas Stars on Tuesday night at TD Garden for an always exciting return of Stars forward Tyler Seguin. The Bruins were riding a 2-game winning streak coming into this matchup, seeing themselves at the top of the league, and looking to stay that way for as long as possible while they get healthy.

Gametime

The Bruins got an early powerplay to start the first period. They were able to sustain some pressure in the first minute but Taylor Hall took a tripping minor and made it a 4-on-4 situation. The Bruins were able to kill off the little penalty kill time they had but it really swung the momentum in Dallas’ favor they were able to build some solid momentum after that penalty but the Bruins were able to keep it level. Boston managed to get 3 powerplays in the first period, going 0/2 on the first couple, but the third time was the charm when David Pastrnak was left wide open for Hampus Lindholm to set him up for a one-timer that went right over the goalie’s shoulder to put the Bs up 1-0.

The Stars came out of the dressing room ready to push the pace to start the second. It worked and they were able to tie it up with a goal from Wyatt Johnson at just 1:48 into the period. The play slowed down and got really gritty in the second. A lot of hits and physicality. The Bruins got in front of a lot of shots to help out goalie Linus Ullmark who was outstanding once again. The Bruins seemed to take control of the later stages of the period and at 18:57 David Krejci found Taylor Hall for the tie-breaking goal to put Boston up 2-1.

The Bruins penalty kill was great Tuesday night. They successfully killed 3 powerplays to keep the Stars scoreless on special teams. Their defense looked like they figured out Dallas’ playstyle and were able to shut down the Stars in the third. Dallas pulled their goalie with about a minute and a half left and Captain Patrice Bergeron was able to send one home from the neutral zone to put the Stars away (cue The Standells) 3-1.

Goalie Gab

Bruins netminder Linus Ullmark has been outstanding to start the year. He is undefeated in his 4 starts so far. Ullmark is currently boasting a 2.23 Goals Against Average and a .929 Save Percentage. Ullmark is definitely making the case to take some more games off of his goalie partner Jeremy Swayman at least for now. Ullmark made 30 saves for a 0.968 save percentage only allowing one goal in Tuesday night’s win.

Chemistry Lab

The Bruins are an absolute unit. Coach Jim Montgomery has been able to put together some really good lines with the roster he has to work with. 12 different Bruins players have at least one goal this season. The line of Hall-Krejci-Pastrnak should be known as the chemistry lab line. Because it seems like they are operating at an unconscious level and we’re still in October. David Pastrnak has 5 goals in 7 games the most on the team. He also leads the team in assists which means he’s also on the top for point total. Taylor Hall is on a 3-game goal streak and 5 points in the last 3 games. He also scored the last 3 game-winning goals.  Krejci is showing all of those who thought he wouldn’t be able to get back to the skill level of the NHL where to shove their thoughts. Krejci currently has 2 goals and 5 assists. That means his points per game average is 1.00 to start the season.

The Bruins are giving me a reason to be excited for the return of Brad Marchand and Charlie McAvoy later this season, Charlie McAvoy joined the NESN broadcast tonight in the second period and said he was progressing well but would not disclose if there is a possibility for an earlier return than December 1st.

Boston improves to 6-1-0 on the season to remain at the top of the league. The Bruins will face off against the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday night for some Original 6 hockey action where the Bruins look to keep their momentum going and fatten up their win total.