MONTREAL -- Down by a goal in enemy territory, especially a place like Bell Centre, was no problem for the Bruins. They stayed focused and finished with a convincing victory to extend their point streak to 16 games.
Boston's poise factor was off the charts.
"Yeah, you're right," said Patrice Bergeron. "It's something I've noticed from this team for a long time. It's been something, the poise from the younger guys all the way up to the older ones. Everyone stays calms and believes and has confidence. We're building that confidence by winning games and with everyone contributing."
Everything else you need to know from the Bruins' win in quickie form, with BSJ insight and analysis.
HEADLINES
A big three: The Bruins played the Canadiens three times this week and won every game, which bodes well for Boston’s standings in the Atlantic Division. After the win, the Bruins now have 62 points and remain second in the division behind the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Canadiens drop to seventh in the Eastern Conference and nine points out of the second wild-card spot.
“Well, because of the rivalry, and it’s Montreal, it always means a little more over the years for fans in the New England Area,” said Bruce Cassidy. “For us, we talked about trying to catch the teams in front of us and then eliminating opportunities for the teams that are chasing you and we did some of that this week with Montreal being a division rival. That part is good, but at the end of the day, it’s how we’re playing and how we’re winning against any opponent. For a coach, it’s gratifying to see us hang in there, defend well and as the game goes on be the stronger team as it goes along.”
Team defense: Tuukka Rask extended his career-best point streak to 16 games with a 14-0-2 record in this span. He’ll be the first to admit that it’s the team’s overall commitment to defense as the main reason for his success of late. It also helps that the offense is scoring more goals, which also helps any goalie’s mental state.
“Our team’s played great hockey,” Rask said. “Our team defense has been tremendous. The chances against are very limited. The penalty kill, for the most part, has been shutting (opponents’ power play) down and it’s a great thing for a goalie to play behind a team like that because everybody battles and we protect the slot very well.”
Huge week: After the recent CBA-negotiated bye week, the Bruins came back with five games in eight days ahead of them. Prior to this string of games, Cassidy said he was curious how the team would respond after the break. Well, he has his answer. Boston went 4-0-1 with three wins against the Canadiens, a win against the New York Islanders and an overtime loss to the Dallas Stars.
“It was a crazy week because we played (Montreal) three times, so we obviously wanted to play good hockey and get as many points as possible," Cassidy said. "So, it was a great week for us.”
Tops: The line of Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak continue to dominate at both ends of the ice. They combined for a plus-6 rating. Pastrnak had two goals and an assist, while Marchand had two assists and Bergeron had one.
TURNING POINT
Good response: After Max Pacioretty gave the Canadiens a 1-0 lead at 11:29 of the second period, fans inside the Bell Centre erupted and Montreal finally had momentum. It didn’t last very long. Pastrnak did exactly what Cassidy has told him to do more of: shoot the puck. Pastrnak had control of the puck in the corner, spun and threw the puck on net along the goal line. Carey Price wasn’t ready and the puck ricocheted off his pads and in to tie the game at 1-1 at 14:09.
DAVID PASTRNAK WIRES HOME A WRISTER TO TIE IT AT 1! pic.twitter.com/3AEtbeiRrx
— NHL Daily 365 (@NHLDaily365) January 21, 2018
TOREY KRUUUUUUUUUUUG! KRUG FINDS TWINE, BRUINS LEAD! pic.twitter.com/0mpZOfCWIq
— NHL Daily 365 (@NHLDaily365) January 21, 2018
MAX PACIORETTY SLAMS HOME BYRON'S FEED! 1-0! pic.twitter.com/F0fSkUODaf
— NHL Daily 365 (@NHLDaily365) January 21, 2018