BOSTON — Bruins captain Brad Marchand might have tallied his first purpose of the season and closed out the Toronto Maple Leafs with an empty-net purpose with simply over a minute left in regulation.
That didn’t occur, although. Marchand acquired tied up and was referred to as for offsides earlier than he might fireplace off a shot.
However when the Maple Leafs compelled additional time, Marchand didn’t miss his second likelihood at placing away Toronto for good.
Marchand acquired his alternative following a horrible turnover from the Maple Leafs of their defensive zone and a feed from David Pastrnak. The Bruins captain had his preliminary shot on the doorstep stopped by Toronto goalie Anthony Stolarz, however Marchand flipped within the unfastened puck to elevate the Bruins to a thrilling 4-3 additional time win over their Authentic Six rival at TD Backyard on Saturday night time.
It actually was fairly the best way for Marchand to web his long-awaited first purpose of the season as he additionally took sole possession of third place in franchise historical past for all-time game-winning targets.
Story continues under commercial
“I hoped it was going to occur on the empty-netter, I acquired to be trustworthy,” Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery mentioned. “You could possibly inform how blissful the bench was after we scored that purpose. He’s our chief, he’s somebody that embodies what it’s to be a Bruin — the suitable means. The way in which he carries himself on the ice, off the ice, every thing.”
Marchand felt the burden of his goalless drought as every sport handed. It was the longest stretch and not using a purpose to begin a season since his first full yr with the Bruins in 2010-11.
“Yeah it’s,” Marchand mentioned when requested if it felt like he acquired the monkey off his again. “I’ve been via many alternative stretches in my profession good and unhealthy. You bought to remain even-keeled. I wasn’t getting too caught up in it. However it’s good to get that one out of the best way, for positive.”
The Bruins wanted it, too, having entered the competition on a three-game dropping streak and letting a late lead go when Auston Matthews scored with 1:17 left in regulation. However Marchand, who moved right into a tie with Rick Middleton for fourth-most targets all-time in Bruins historical past, didn’t sense any panic from the bench after the Maple Leafs notched the equalizer.
Story continues under commercial
After which Marchand made positive to come back via for his teammates whereas additionally moving into the scoring column himself.
“Good timing,” Pastrnak mentioned.
extra bruins
Listed below are extra notes from Saturday’s Bruins-Maple Leafs sport:
— Pastrnak has his signature look again, nevertheless it has nothing to do along with his hair. Pastrnak chipped his enamel in opposition to the Maple Leafs when he took a excessive keep on with the face from William Nylander.
Story continues under commercial
“The outdated look is again,” Pastrnak mentioned. “Can’t wait for one more go to to the dentist.”
Pastrnak additionally opened up the scoring for the Bruins with a power-play purpose within the second interval. It was Pastrnak’s thirtieth profession purpose in opposition to the Maple Leafs, his most in opposition to any franchise.
— Justin Brazeau wasn’t within the Bruins lineup for 2 of three video games on Boston’s most up-to-date street journey. However his response to being a wholesome scratch was glorious. He introduced super power on either side of the ice in opposition to the Maple Leafs and scored his second purpose in as many video games.
“I believe it was simply getting again to what I do,” Brazeau mentioned. “Clearly, I don’t assume I fairly had the beginning that I needed. I knew I might play and I knew I might get again and I might assist this group.”
Story continues under commercial
— Montgomery admitted he noticed one thing out of his group previous to the sport in opposition to the Maple Leafs that had been lacking as of late.
“The group was unfastened this morning, which I used to be blissful to see,” Montgomery mentioned. “They hadn’t been unfastened shortly. You hadn’t seen smile on our faces within the morning skate — we noticed that. We had a number of power. Constructive power creates good attitudes and good attitudes creates good habits. The motivation comes simply then to play the suitable means.”
— The Bruins shut out their three-game homestand Tuesday in opposition to the Philadelphia Flyers, who’re in final place within the Japanese Convention. Puck drop from TD Backyard is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. You may watch the sport, plus an hour of pregame protection, on NESN.
