BSJ Game Report: Bruins 3, Red Wings 1 -- Break arrives at the perfect time

Before the NHL shuts down for its annual mandatory three-day break for Christmas, the Bruins played their seventh game in 11 days and finished with a 3-1 victory over the Red Wings at TD Garden. Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron provided the offense, while Tuukka Rask made 30 saves.

Everything you need to know from the Bruins' victory in quickie form, with BSJ insight and analysis. 

HEADLINES



Rask’s rolling: Boston’s No. 1 goalie has been outstanding in his last 10 starts. He finished with 30 saves against the Red Wings to improve to 8-0-1 in his last nine starts. It’s no coincidence the Bruins are winning when Rask’s doing his thing.

Marchand’s marching: He had a goal and two assists against the Red Wings. He has seven goals and 10 assists for 17 points in his last 12 games. Overall, he has 15 goals and 17 assists for 32 points in 26 games this season.

TURNING POINT

With the game tied at 1-1 with 11:18 remaining in the second period, it appeared as though the Red Wings would take the lead when the puck trickled through Rask’s pads. Fortunately for the Bruins, Zdeno Chara reached in and knocked the puck out before it went over the goal line. Rask was then able to cover it.

TWO UP

David Backes: Not only did Backes and his wife, Kelly, welcome new-born son, Dawson, at 1:12 a.m. on Saturday, the veteran forward had enough energy to be in the lineup. Early in the second period, Backes produce a 200-foot forecheck and forced a turnover, which turned into a quality-scoring chance for the Bruins.

Ryan Spooner: I’ve been critical of the talented forward for the majority of his pro career. Always thought he hasn’t used his talents to the best of his ability. Got to give him credit, however, but he’s played well at center of late with David Krejci sidelined.

TWO DOWN

Brandon Carlo: It’s been a season-long learning process for the second-year defenseman. He hasn’t played with Chara, so Carlo’s been experiencing many more mistakes. One area he needs to focus on his puck management because he’s been turning over the puck too much. At one point in the second period, it appeared that Brad Marchand was giving it to Carlo after a whistle.

The schedule: The Bruins played seven games in 11 days and the effects were evident against the Red Wings. It won’t get easier after the break when the Bruins play three games in four days.

NOT ON THE SCORE SHEET

In the waning minutes of the third period, Cassidy decided to tweak his lines a bit. He put Backes on the line with Bergeron and Marchand in order to create a heavier line to protect the one-goal lead. Then with the Red Wings using the extra attacker, it also allows Boston’s top line to have two centermen in case one gets tossed off the dot.

UP NEXT

Absolutely nothing. The NHL does it right with its annual three-day mandatory break for Christmas. The Bruins will host the Ottawa Senators at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at TD Garden.