(Photo Credits: AP Photo/Winslow Townson)

By: Liz Rizzo | Follow me on Twitter @pastagrl88

There was no lack of confidence from this year’s Boston Bruins team as they defeated the Dallas Stars 3-1 in front of a very loud crowd at the TD Garden. Jake Debrusk would get the game-winning goal while Brad Marchand scored twice including the second-most career penalty shots in NHL history. Bruins’ goaltender Jeremy Swayman had 27 saves for the night in a solid season debut.

GAME BREAKDOWN

The Boston Bruins wasted no time in the first few minutes of period one as they looked to get on the scoreboard. Despite having some new faces on their roster, puck control looked smooth as they swarmed around Dallas goaltender Brayden Holtby. Lots of close calls as the Stars attempted to get their first shot on the Bruins goal.

Boston continued to limit Dallas’s puck possession drawing their first penalty of the night. Ryan Suter would go to the penalty box for hooking against Jake DeBrusk. The Bruins had their first attempt to score on the man advantage, however, the play was cut short as Boston’s Craig Smith was be penalized for tripping Andrej Sekera.

No score for either team during the penalty kill and power play. Boston continued to get pucks on the net, outshooting the Stars 2-1. Brad Marchand was awarded a penalty shot after Ryan Suter held his stick on a potential breakaway and scored the first goal of the season for the Bruins making it 1-0. In the last 50 seconds in the first period, Charlie McAvoy was called for smothering the puck. Boston goaltender Jeremy Swayman snagged the puck on a scoring chance by Dallas’s Jamie Benn. A solid start in the first period by the Bruins.

SCORE END OF THE FIRST: BOS-1, DAL-0

SHOTS ON GOAL: BOS-17, DAL-5

Dallas opened up the second period on the man advantage however were unable to muster any quality shots. A turnover by the Stars almost led to a goal by Charlie Coyle. Boston would get another man advantage as Jacob Peterson was called for interference. Despite multiple chances, the Bruins were unable to score. The Dallas offense took advantage of Boston not being able to clear their zone when Luke Glendening scored, evening the game 1-1.

Craig Smith drew a penalty as the Stars’ Jamie Benn was called for cross-checking. Boston wasted no time making Holtby dance in the net as they peppered the goal. Glendening had a potential breakaway goal that was robbed by Swayman. McAvoy was once again sent to the box for hooking Glendening.

With 11 seconds left to the Dallas power-play, Brad Marchand was sent to the penalty box for tripping against Esa Lindell. Lots of action down both zones during the Stars power-play that saw both Charlie Coyle and Nick Foligno charge towards the net for a possible short-handed goal. No score for Dallas during the power play. Jake Debrusk would rush towards the net however the play was cut short as he crashed into the net, dislodging it. More pushback from Dallas during the second period, however, the score remained tied.

SCORE END OF SECOND: BOS-1, DAL-1

SHOTS ON GOAL: BOS-28, DAL- 14

The fast pace continued into the third period as both teams had very close calls in scoring their next goal. Bruins’ offensive play throughout the game was solid and without much hesitation in getting the puck on Dallas’ net. Their hard work paid off as Jake DeBrusk whacked one in giving the Bruins the lead 2-1. The boys in Black and Gold quickly used that momentum as they peppered Holtby with pucks from different angles, forcing the goaltender to shift his body awkwardly in the net.

Nick Foligno was sent to the penalty box for interference against Alexander Radulov. Some anxious moments down the Bruins end during the penalty kill, however, Boston’s defense was able to keep Dallas at bay. Both teams were given penalties: Boston for too many many on ice and Dallas’ Roope Neinz for hooking against Derek Forbert. No score for either team. With time ticking down and an empty Stars net, Brad Marchand scored his second goal of the night. In the last 38 seconds to the period, Boston’s Mike Reilly would be awarded a penalty for Delay of Game for a puck over the glass. No score for Dallas as the Bruins win 3-1 in a strong fashion. Newcomers Nick Foligno and Erik Haula each notched an assist for tonight’s game.

END OF GAME: BOS-3, DAL-1

TOTAL SHOTS ON NET: BOS-40, DAL-28

NEXT GAME: Wednesday, October 20th versus Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center with puck drop at 7:30 pm