Boston Bruins: B’s steal one from the Stars

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 07: David Pastrnak
PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 07: David Pastrnak /
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The Boston Bruins were on the brink of defeat on Friday night, but when the third period came ended the Bruins were the ones on top.

The Boston Bruins are never out of a game. They could be down a goal with .1 seconds left and still have a chance. The Bruins once again proved that on Friday night when they executed an amazing third-period comeback.

Tuukka Rask sucks

That will not be said after Rask’s performance on Friday night. The performance he put on was exactly what the Bruins will need from him in the playoffs. Rask stopped 40 shots on the night and played great. He carried the Bruins in the first period making 17 saves. When the Bruins were struggling, Rask was doing the opposite.

Rask’s efforts did not go unnoticed.

"“He made a lot of really big saves, especially early on, saved a breakaway, some really big saves on the power play,” said Brad Marchand. “He had a great game. He’s been the backbone of our team all year, for a few years now. It’s great when he plays the way he did tonight.”"

If Rask can continue this level of play, the Bruins run in the playoffs just got a whole lot easier. A hot goaltender can shift the momentum in a series.

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Pasta whips up a game winner

David Pastrnak had a great game scoring the game-winning goal as well as having an assist on the night.  Pasta was fighting hard in the corner and ended up getting rewarded for it. The puck ended up on Marchand’s stick and “Marchy” sent the puck back to Pastrnak who was able to get the puck by Kari Lehtonen.

The goal shows how much Pastrnak has improved. “Pasta” was fighting for the puck, he was going into the dirty areas, and he was strong on the puck. Pastrnak isn’t just a finesse player. During his time with the Bruins, he has been able to evolve as a player and get tougher.

Boston Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy spoke about Pastrnak growing as a player.

"“I find where he’s matured is his strength on the puck. Those 50-50 pucks that squirt away, he used to get knocked off them and he’s getting those a lot more. That’s where I see his maturity level, his second effort and some of that is physical as well.”"

Schaller puts on a show

Tim Schaller has been a mainstay on the Bruins 4th line. He is a gritty player, who embodies what it means to be a member of the Boston Bruins.

Schaller isn’t known for his goal-scoring ability, but he showed it on Friday night. He was all alone in front of the Stars net and unleashed a filthy move that drew Lehtonen out of the net and he easily was able to score.

Schaller now has 11 goals this season. He is a hard-nosed player who is hard not to like.

Also, the Bruins received some great news on Friday. Patrice Bergeron is headed to Minnesota to meet up with the team before they play the Wild on Sunday.

This team with Bergeron back could make a run for first place in the Eastern Conference.

Next: Tuukka Rask needs to show out in the playoffs

A healthy Boston Bruins team is deadly. We have seen how well they can perform when everyone is playing. The Boston Bruins are gearing up for a playoff run. Boston better get ready for a fun spring, and possibly another parade.