A huge response game as the Boston Bruins dominated the Ottawa Senators en route to a 5-0 win Saturday night at Canadian Tire Centre.
Ryan Spooner finished with two goals, but more importantly were the two assists from Torey Krug, who was benched late in Thursday's 4-3 shootout loss to the Washington Capitals. It was also impressive that the Bruins scored three power-play goals after going 0-for-5 against the Capitals.
Pregame notes
After missing the last six games with an upper-body injury, forward David Krejci returned to the lineup. Boston went 5-0-1 without Krejci. Prior to his absence, he posted four goals and four assists for eight points in his previous nine games.
Krejci centered Jake DeBrusk and Ryan Spooner.
As a result of Krejci's return, rookie forward Anders Bjork was a healthy scratch for only the second time this season. Overall, he has four goals and eight assists for 12 points in 28 games.
Bruce Cassidy
Tuukka Rask
Observations from the third period from Joey Mac
- Krug is engaged in a big way tonight. Got to give Cassidy credit for sending the message quick when he benched Krug the other night because the last thing the Bruins want is a unproductive veteran defenseman.
- Pastrnak either fans on a one-timer, or absolutely unleashes it. There's no in between.
- DeBrusk has the ability to cut off passing lanes well with his stick.
- That was a veteran move by Backes. He understands the Bruins have this game wrapped up, and he pulls up on a possible check when he could have crushed the Senators defender.
- As Greg mentioned in the second period, Krug has responded well. I didn't expect anything less from him.
- Another power-play goal for the Bruins. Cassidy tweaked both units and it has paid dividends. Bergeron, in the bumper position, redirects Krug's shot for the goal. It's Bergeron's 11th of the season.
- Huge assist from the boss during the second period. I'm back from the room and ready to go.
Observations from the second period from Bedard
- Senators are in a world of hurt as this period draws to a close. Bruins have totally dominated them again.
- Krejci makes an awesome pass between his legs and that led to a good chance with Backes trying to deflect in Spooner's shot.
- Krug has responded well to his benching. Sets up DeBrusk on another chance that ends up with the Bruins' third power play.
- Two shots on the power play and the Bruins nearly score as Bergeron comes out of the box and sets up DeBrusk but Condon makes the save.
- Rask gives up a big rebound from Karlson but he stuffs the rebound from Duchene.
- Bergeron to the box for a slash. 3:15 left in the period.
- Man, what has happened to the Senators? They stink.
- GOAL: Krejci, in his return from injury, scores on a rebound from a McAvoy blast.
- Bruins are going on the power play as Spooner draws a call. 7:25 left. Bruins are 1-for-1 on the PP so far. Bruins 4, Senators 0.
- GOAL: Good work by the Schaller-Kuraly-Acciari line again as Acciari scores his fourth of the season from Krug and Schaller. Sweet backhand goal. Bruins 3, Senators 0.
- GOAL: A few minutes later, Ryan Spooner blocks a shot from Ben Harpur and then Spooner beats him to the other end of the ice and slips a backhand through the five hole of Condon. Great play by Spooner. Bruins 2, Senators 0.
Observations from first period
- Strong opening period for Rask.
- Spooner needs to continue to go into the dirty areas.
- Sean Kuraly's puck-pursuit ability shouldn't go unnoticed.
- Guy Boucher wants Dion Phaneuf matchup against the Bergeron line.
- After going 0-for-5 against the Capitals, the Bruins score on their first power play of the game for a 1-0 lead. Spooner with the goal. Krejci with the assist. Boston's man-advantage is much more potent when the veteran centerman is in the lineup. Plus, it was a strong zone entry by the Bruins.
- Timely saves by Rask early.
Here are the projected line combinations and defensive pairings vs. Senators
Forwards
Defense
Goalies