Boston Bruins: 3 keys to success in 3-2 victory over Devils

Even without one of their best defenseman, the Boston bruins were able extend their point streak defeating the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday night.

The Boston Bruins had a rough start to the game on Tuesday night. The New Jersey Devils were coming off a 3-0 blowout loss the night before, and they came out firing, peppering Tuukka Rask with shots. Both teams were dealing with rather severe injuries as Charlie McAvoy was out for the Bruins and Taylor Hall was out for the Devils. Even without McAvoy, the Bruins were able to defeat the Devils 3-2.

Tuukka is dominant

This game was one of Rask’s best of the season. The Bruins allowed 20 shots on net in the first period. That is the most shots they have allowed in a single period since Feb. 2016. In the period the Bruins were shorthanded twice and Rask came up big keeping the Bruins in the game.

David Pastrnak spoke about Rask’s amazing first period after the game.

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"“He was awesome. We didn’t have a good start and Tuukka was unbelievable in the first period for us. It could have easily been 3-0 for them, but he made some great saves. It’s hard when you’re waiting for a team coming off a back-to-back…we knew it was coming. That’s why we have Tuukka and he got us going.”"

The goals that Rask gave up weren’t nearly as damning as in previous games.  The first goal came off a deflection with traffic in front of Rask, and the second goal was the product of a 3-on-2 odd man rush.

Rask helped to secure the win stopping two breakaway attempts by Damon Severson midway through the third period. With the victory, Rask extended his point streak to 17 games as he has not lost in regulation since Nov.15th. Rask is one of the best goaltenders in the league, and he sure is proving it with his great play as of late.

Brad Marchand a jack of all trades

Marchand had a great game on Tuesday night. He had a goal and an assist on the night and had a phenomenal game overall. The pass to Bergeron was perfect and then late in the second period, Marchand just demolished the Devils.

It was such a beautiful goal it could almost make a grown man cry. “Marchy” put Cory Schneider in his pocket, dangling his way to his 21st goal of the season. He leads the team in goals, and that one right there was an all-star caliber goal.

This 1st line is amazing

You could probably say this every night, but this is the most dominant line in the NHL. With Bergeron’s goal, the Bruins became the first team to have three players in the 20-goal club. The line has combined for 135 points so far this season and is the backbone of the Bruins offense. If they can continue to play at such a high level the Bruins will be a big threat in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Next: Boston Bruins: Charlie McAvoy’s absence a big loss for B’s

The Bruins next matchup is against the Ottawa Senators on Thursday. They have had lots of luck against the Senators this season as they are 2-0 against the squad and are out scoring the Senators 10-1.