Yahoo Sports Boston Bruins Finish With Crucial Victory
BOSTON – During a long, arduous 82-game season, there’s always one game that may not seem too significant in the middle of the schedule, but it turns out to be an important two points towards a possible Stanley Cup playoff berth.
View the original article to see embedded media.
The Boston Bruins’ 4-0 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets Saturday night at TD Garden could be that game.
© Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
After a complete meltdown against the Blue Jackets, losing 6-2 in the first game of this home-and-home series Friday in Columbus, the Bruins responded in a big way en route to victory Saturday. From the opening faceoff, Boston controlled the game . . .
“It was a professional game for us, a professional win for us tonight after (Friday’s) game,” said Bruins coach Joe Sacco.
Sacco’s message since he’s taken over behind the bench (12-5-1) is how the team handles itself after a loss. Time and again the Bruins have responded, and Saturday was another example.
“This was one of them,” he said.
Boston started quick and didn’t let up. The Bruins responded on the scoreboard and dropped the gloves a couple times when needed. Goaltender Jeremy Swayman finished with 19 saves to post his second shutout of the season. He’s 7-1-1 in his last nine starts and is feeling good about his game.
© Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
“Every day has been better and better for me and it’s because of the guys in this locker room and the belief we have,” Swayman said. “It’s my job to keep that belief at an all-time high, trust my process and understand there are going to be good days and bad days, but you’ve got to have more good than bad and that’s what has been happening.”
It was also a significant game for Bruins top prospect Fabian Lysell, who made his NHL debut. The 21-year-old forward has been playing well in the AHL for the Providence Bruins, so general manager Don Sweeney thought it was a good time to promote Boston’s first-round pick (21st overall) from the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.
“Crazy how fast things can happen,” Lysell said after the game. “I woke up this morning not thinking of this then you get a call and you’re up here. It’s just unbelievable. It’s definitely special for me and my family and everyone who has helped me along the way.”
© Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
The Bruins had a little extra jump, a little more motivation with Lysell in the room and on the ice for the first time.
“It’s always exciting,” said Bruins’ David Pastrnak, who said he remembers his first game (Nov. 24, 2014) vividly. “It brings you back memories to your first game and you’ll always remember that forever. He had his family here, so it was a special moment, and he played a great game. It’s always fun to see the first game and to get the win for him and his family. Hopefully he can take his folks for a nice dinner and enjoy today because it is a special day.”
It could be a game the Bruins will look back at the end of the regular season and realize how the importance of this victory.
Related: Bruins Enforcer Fights After Charlie McAvoy Receives Big Hit
Related: Bruins Brawler & Blue Jackets Enforcer Have Epic Fight
