By: Eamonn McLean | Follow me on Twitter/X @EamonnMcLean44
The Boston Bruins picked up their second victory of the season this afternoon, winning in overtime, 2-1 against the Los Angeles Kings. The Bruins got goals from Elias Lindholm and overtime hero David Pastrnak, while Jeremy Swayman picked up his second win of the year, making 33 saves.
Poitras Solid in Season Debut
After suffering an injury late in the preseason, Matthew Poitras finally made his season debut and did not disappoint. Poitras registered a secondary assist on Pastrnak’s overtime winner and led the Bruins with an even-strength Corsi for percentage of 73.08%.
The Ajax, Ontario native earned high praise from Head Coach Jim Montgomery. “I thought that was the best game he’s played as an NHL player,” Montgomery added postgame on Poitras’ play.
Sway Saves the Day
After earning a victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday, Jeremy Swayman once again got the nod in goal. The Alaska native was stellar, posting a .971% save percentage and a 0.96 goals-against average. He also stopped nine of the ten high-danger shots he faced at all strengths. While Swayman allowed a goal, he had a goals saved above expected of 2.28, earning first-star honors.
Lohrei Responds Well to Healthy Scratch
After being scratched on Thursday in favor of Parker Wotherspoon, Mason Lohrei returned to the B’s lineup on Saturday afternoon, playing on the third pairing alongside Andrew Peeke. Lohrei’s return to the lineup was a success, recording the primary assist on David Pastrnak’s overtime winner.
Lohrei was on the ice for three high-danger chances for, and had an even-strength expected goals percentage of 71.62%, the highest among Bruins defensemen. Like Poitras, Lohrei impressed his coach in his return to the lineup. “I loved the response by Lohrei after not playing last game,” said Montgomery.
Penalty Kill Continues to Shine
The Bruins’ penalty killers kept the Kings’ power play off the board in five opportunities, bringing their penalty kill percentage to 94.1%, tenth in the National Hockey League. Despite top penalty killers like Brandon Carlo and Nikita Zadorov spending time in the box, the Bruins stepped up against a talented Kings team.
Power Play Struggles
While the penalty kill was perfect, the power play was the opposite. The Bruins did not score a goal on the man advantage despite having five opportunities. Boston could only muster four shots on Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper between the two units. While there were many positives from today’s game, the Bruins will hope their power play is sharper on Monday against the Florida Panthers.
Lindholm Continues Hot Start in Boston
After a Pavel Zacha tripping minor negated a Bruins power play, Elias Lindholm opened the scoring for the Bruins during the ensuing four-on-four. Lindholm collected a rebound from Bruins captain Brad Marchand and beat Kuemper five-hole for his second goal of the season. Lindholm’s five points this season have him tied for fourth in scoring league-wide with Mark Stone and Shea Theodore.
The Bruins will be back in action Monday afternoon at TD Garden for a rematch against the Florida Panthers. Puck drop is scheduled for 1:00 P.M. Eastern, and the game will be broadcast on NESN.
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