The Boston Bruins dominated the Tampa Bay Lightning with a convincing 7-3 win at TD Garden. Key performances from David Pastrnak and Trent Frederic propelled the Bruins to victory, extending their strong run of form with five wins in their last six games.
Pastrnak contributed a goal and an assist, while Frederic scored twice. Linus Ullmark’s 23 saves also played a crucial role in the Bruins’ win, moving their record to 24-8-6. Bruins coach Jim Montgomery praised the team’s smart and solid play, particularly in the third period.
The Lightning (19-17-5), led by Nikita Kucherov with a goal and two assists and Brayden Point with two goals, showed moments of brilliance but couldn’t match the Bruins’ intensity. Andrei Vasilevskiy made 20 saves for Tampa Bay, which has lost four of its past six games.
The game started fast with Point scoring in the first 21 seconds, but Frederic’s two goals, including a power-play goal, shifted the momentum in Boston’s favor. Charlie McAvoy and Morgan Geekie added to the Bruins’ tally, with McAvoy’s goal coming from a shot through traffic.
Both teams traded goals in a fast-paced second period, but the Bruins maintained control, with Pastrnak’s goal being a highlight. Geekie’s wrist shot in the third period further extended Boston’s lead, and Jake DeBrusk and Charlie Coyle added late goals to seal the win.
Tampa Bay’s Calvin de Haan acknowledged that despite letting in seven goals, the team didn’t play as poorly as the score suggested. However, the Lightning’s inability to sustain momentum and respond effectively to Boston’s scoring was a key factor in their loss.
The Bruins’ Matthew Poitras, who had two assists, highlighted the team’s effective containment of the Lightning’s skilled players. Unfortunately, the Lightning’s Tanner Jeannot left the game in the second period due to an injury, and there was no update on his condition after the game.
The Bruins’ win not only demonstrates their offensive firepower but also their ability to contain and respond to a team like the Lightning, known for its skilled roster. The victory positions Boston as a formidable team in the league, showcasing depth and versatility in their lineup.
