By: Joe Todd | Follow me on Twitter @heyjoetodd
Bruins continue their winning ways in 2022, defeating the Winnipeg Jets 3-2. Pastrnak’s powerplay bomb would be the game-winner, while Tuukka Rask made 22 saves in the victory. Marchand would play in today’s contest despite the injury he sustained after the hit from Hathaway against the Capitals. Here are the talking points from today’s matinee.
Two U’s, Two K’s, Two minutes delay of game
Tuukka Rask made his third start and rebounded nicely after allowing five goals in the first period of the blowout against the Hurricanes. He allowed another squeaker on the opening shot of the game by Harkins. In a normal season for Rask, he stops that opening goal every time. Not much he could have done on the second goal as the puck deflected in off of bodies on the centering pass.
Aside from the goals, Rask wasn’t particularly challenged in this game and remained in squared and in position for most of the shots against. His play with the puck and his rebound control could use some work. He misplayed a few routine chances and even launched the puck into the tenth row, resulting in a delay of game penalty. Bruins fans need to exercise patience with Rask as he continues to get back into game shape, but that is a big ask for the many underappreciative fans in this organization.
(High) hit parade
After both Blidh and Marchand were hit up high against the Capitals, Dubois would continue this trend with a high hit on Grzelyck. No penalty was called either. Maybe Grzelyck could have put himself in a vulnerable position on that play, but Dubois continues to drive his arm high on the head. Luckily Grzelyck did return. Â What are the trainers feeding these guys?
The hits on Blidh, Marchand, and now Grzelyck continue to beg the question: are the Bruins too soft? With a certain lack of physical response in the past two games, some Bruins fans are clamoring for an enforcer to protect the star players. Both Clifton and Carlo fought Harkins and Poganski respectively tonight, but none went after Dubois or even Hathaway and Wilson, those responsible for the injuring hits. For me, the response comes on the scoreboard, and I would rather the Bruins acquire someone who can score rather than waste a roster spot on a one-trick fighter.
Steen machine
Oskar Steen is back in the lineup after missing the last game against Washington. While I believed that he deserved to spend some time upstairs after the Hurricanes game, it clearly paid dividends as he was harder on the forecheck playing with DeBrusk and Coyle. He was rewarded for going to the net as a flubbed shot by Coyle, which resulted in Steen potting the loose puck. I loved seeing Quadzilla celly hard on that goal. You can tell how badly he wants to be here after a celebration like that. Steen also made a great play to stay onside on Coyle’s goal. Those little details matter!
Todd’s and Ends
Great deflection by Coyle to score his first goal in 11 games. His assist on Steen’s goal was his first point in ten games. I need Coyle to get going for this team to be a contender.
Loved McAvoy’s jump today. It seemed like every time he was on the ice; he was joining the rush and contributing to a scoring chance.
Forbort was a shot-blocking monster tonight. Finished with four blocks, two of which game with Hellebuyck pulled, and one earlier which prevented the Jets from scoring on a wide-open net. He would also assist on Coyle’s redirected goal.
What an absolute cannon from Pastrnak.
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