42-8-5. 6-3-1 in their last ten games. Yeah, I’d say the Boston Bruins are still humming along. Breaking out of their mini rut, the Bruins picked up their third straight win with a 6-2 win over the New York Islanders on Saturday, a win that really felt larger than a four goal advantage.
Let’s talk about the game. We’ve got four big takeaways. Let’s get right to it!
Jake Debrusk is back, folks
The Bruins needed Jake Debrusk back in their lineup. After an extended absence dating back to the Winter Classic, number 74 made his return to the lineup very noticeable in this one. Playing alongside Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron, Debrusk had a goal and an assist, with his goal coming on the power play. You heard me right, a power play goal! Is the power play dominance back?
Trent Frederic, goal scoring machine?
Trent Frederic is one of many players who have benefitted from the switch from Bruce Cassidy to Jim Montgomery this season. He continued to show his skill in his breakout season, scoring goals number 12 and 13 with a two goal performance, ending the day with a +3 rating in 13:21 of ice time. Frederic now has three goals and an assist in his last five games. That’s pretty good.
Patrice Bergeron, face of the franchise
This game might seem like just another game for the Bruins captain, scoring a goal in a TD Garden victory. However, Bergeron reached a milestone with that goal. It marked his 20th goal of the season, giving Bergeron 10 straight seasons of at least 20 goals, and the 14th total of his career. Nick Foligno summed it up best:
"“He’s the model of consistency in this league. He’s a guy that I’ve admired, a long time, and all of us do. He plays the game the right way. I think that’s one of the best compliments you can get as a player. And he does that.”"
Linus Ullmark for Vezina
We already knew this one, but it’s worth mentioning again, because, well, he was spectacular again. He improved to 28-4-1 this season with another win, this time stopping 26 of the 28 shots he saw from the Islanders, recording a .929 save percentage on home ice. If he’s not at least a finalist for the Vezina, I don’t know what else the guy needs to do.
Up next
The Bruins remain at home as they get ready for a Presidents Day matinee showdown against the Ottawa Senators on Monday afternoon.