By: Ryan Bosworth | Follow me on Twitter/X @RyanJBosworth
The Bruins were back in action earlier today, playing in their first game after the 2026 National Hockey League trade deadline. There was a different atmosphere to this game than last season, considering there weren’t any major moves made by the Bruins’ front office.
With the addition of some minor pieces and no NHL roster players departing, the Bruins continued their chug towards a postseason berth. Coming into today as the second wild card, every point matters. Washington wasn’t far back, just four points behind the Bruins in the race of a berth, and you could feel it in the air.
First Period
A back-and-forth opening frame, which ended in a 0-0 deadlock, had playoff tones in the air and on the ice. Fair chances for both teams, and big stops by both net-minders, Jeremy Swayman and Logan Thompson.
Boston would see two power play attempts, but would be unsuccessful on both. The Capitals would get one, and were also unsuccessful. A rather uneventful opening frame, there were some positives, though, as Jeremy Swayman was sharp and Boston’s bottom-six made the Capitals’ life hard when up against them.
Second Period
The middle frame certainly had more action, as we saw a goal from both sides, lots of power play opportunities, and the continued playoff atmosphere with tight checking and playing until the whistle.
The Bruins would open the scoring on the power play, thanks to Pavel Zacha, who tapped in the puck from mid-air after a solid entry by Charlie McAvoy and David Pastrnak. McAvoy found Zacha down-low, and Zacha was able to bounce on his own rebound, breaking the 0-0 deadlock at 4:07 of the second period.
The Capitals would respond, thanks to a beautiful play by Jakob Chychrun, who danced around all five Boston skaters, threw the puck on net, and the rebound was bounced on by Aliaksei Protas at 7:21 of the first period.
Boston saw four more power play attempts this period, and were only able to cash in on one of them. Through 40 minutes of play, Boston had gone 1/6 on power play attempts, and perfect on the power play.
Third Period
The Bruins’ third period was easily their best period since returning from the Olympic break. They were disciplined, played smart, and tacked two more goals to their lead to help them come out with two points.
Viktor Arvidsson would score the game winner 4:28 of the third period. A great play by Hampus Lindholm that sent the puck up ice, given a little push by Casey Mittelstadt, sent Arvidsson in all alone on Thompson, who was beaten glove-side. With the go-ahead goal, Arvidsson now has 18-15-33 through 50 games played for Boston.
With just 24 seconds remaining in regulation, Boston would get an insurance marker. Elias Lindholm cashed in on the empty net for his 12th goal of the season, and 40th point, through 49 games this season.
A very strong game for Boston overall. While there are certainly areas to clean up, primarily the power play, they were able to secure a very important two points. Strong goaltending from Jeremy Swayman, continued excellence from Viktor Arvidsson, and disciplined play from the entire team all contributed to this afternoon’s victory.
With the win over Washington, Boston holds the second wild card spot, with 75 points, and a three-point lead over Columbus. Columbus does have a game in-hand, and they’re set to play tonight at 7:00 p.m. EST.
Boston is back at it tomorrow, facing off against the Pittsburgh Penguins at 4:30 p.m. EST. The game can be found on TNT.
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