The Boston Bruins looked like they were in for a long night after the first period, trailing the Anaheim Ducks 2-0. But they flipped the switch in the second half, mounting a furious comeback to secure a 4-2 victory and push their winning streak to four games. Here are four takeaways from the game:
Special Teams Steal the Show
The Bruins’ special teams were under the microscope heading into Friday, with the power play struggling and the penalty kill leaking goals. But both units delivered in a big way against Anaheim. The power play went three-for-three, swinging the game from a 2-0 deficit to a 3-2 lead. Frederic Brunet got the ball rolling early in the second period, keeping the puck in on the power play and firing a shot through traffic for his first career NHL goal. Early in the third, David Pastrnak tied things up on the backhand after some net-front battling with Elias Lindholm. The third power-play goal was a beautiful team effort, with all five guys touching the puck before Pavel Zacha set up Lindholm for a tap-in. Meanwhile, the penalty kill went a perfect four-for-four, including cleaning up a double minor taken by Nikita Zadorov. Tanner Jeannot even drew a penalty late in that kill, setting up the momentum-shifting power play.
The Kids Are More Than Holding Their Own
Boston’s young guns continue to make a massive impact. Nineteen-year-old rookie James Hagens picked up two assists, first on Brunet’s goal and then setting up Matt Poitras for a 2-on-1 goal that pushed the lead to 4-2. Poitras now has three goals in five games since returning from injury, while Brunet keeps making things happen from the back end. Fraser Minten didn’t score but had five points in the previous two games and created a great chance in the first period with a slick rush and pass to JJ Peterka.
DiPietro Finally Gets His Moment
It was a special night for Michael DiPietro, who earned his first NHL win since 2019. The 27-year-old stopped 25 of 27 shots, looking a bit shaky on the two first-period goals but locking things down after that. He finished with a 1.94 goals saved above expected, which pretty much won them the game. After years of grinding in the minors, including a stint in the ECHL, DiPietro admitted it was a long road but expressed deep gratitude to his family and support system. It was a well-deserved moment for a guy who’s been the AHL’s best goalie for two straight years.
Zacha’s Injury Casts a Shadow
The only real negative from the night was Pavel Zacha leaving the game late in the third after a hard hit along the boards from Anaheim’s Drew Helleson. He skated off hunched over and didn’t return. Coach Marco Sturm didn’t have an immediate update postgame, but if Zacha misses time, Sean Kuraly will likely slide back in as the fourth-line center, potentially opening the door for Poitras to move up the lineup.
