Boston Bruins: David Pastrnak’s hat trick a special moment in Game 1

In a packed house at TD Garden, the crowd came alive as the Boston Bruins defeated the New York Islanders 5-2 in the opening game of the second-round series.

With some 17,000 fans in attendance for the first time since March 7, 2020, David Pastrnak delivered a show with his second career playoff hattrick.

Charlie McAvoy and Taylor Hall both scored, and Patrice Bergeron notched a total of two assists for the Bruins.

David Pastrnak responded to the energy of the Boston Bruins crowd

During the post game interview, Pastrnak was all smiles.

"“It’s a different sport with them in the building. It warms your heart and reminds you why you play the sport,” he said, via Boston.com. “You could tell, right from the warm-ups, the fans were going to help us.”"

The fans undoubtedly helped lift Pastrnak’s energy.

After scoring late in the 1st period to tie the game 1-1, Pasta found the back of the net again on assists from Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand to give the Bruins the lead in the 2nd. Leading 3-2 late into the 3rd period, Pastrnak put the game out of reach for the Islanders with his 3rd goal of the game, and hats began to rain in Boston.

"“It felt amazing,” Pastrnak said following the game. “It’s nice to see hats anytime anybody scores a hat trick. It’s a big tradition. It’s always fun, especially if it’s your team that scored the hat trick.”"

After learning that his performance entered him into history as the fifth Bruins player (David Krejci, Cam Neely, Phil Esposito, and Johnny Bucyk) to score a hat trick twice in the playoffs, Pastrnak responded:

"“It obviously feels better now with you saying that. Playing for the Boston Bruins with the amount of history and great players and Hall of Famers, that’s obviously a huge honor for me. Hopefully, I can add some more.”"

Fans return tonight in Game 2 of the Second Round against the New York Islanders tonight at 7:30 ET at TD Garden.