BSJ Game Report: Bruins 3, Red Wings 2 -- Who needs Brad Marchand?

DETROIT -- After the Bruins' 3-2 victory over the Detroit Red Wings Tuesday night at Little Caesars Arena, Boston coach Bruce Cassidy joked with Brad Marchand that it could be difficult for the veteran forward to break back into the lineup with the way rookie Danton Heinen has played on the team's top line.

Marchand completed his five-game suspension and will return to the lineup Wednesday night against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. During his hiatus, Heinen has played with Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak and the team finished with a 4-1-0 record without Marchand.

On Tuesday, when Boston wasn't at its best, Heinen scored a goal and added an assist en route to victory.  Both plays reached elite status. On the assist, his no-look pass to Pastrnak set up Sean Kuraly's first goal since Nov. 24. Heinen then scored what proved to be the game-winner when he sniped a shot past Detroit goalie Jimmy Howard from the slot to give Boston a 3-1 lead at 8:21 of the third period.

"It's a good problem to have when guys can go up and fill in," Cassidy said. "The (second game of Marchand's suspension) against Anaheim we had a little bit of trouble, but since then (Heinen's) done a real good job up there. It's a good spot to be in. He relishes the opportunity when it's there and he's done a good job."

During his five-game stint on Bergeron's line, Heinen posted two goals and three assists for five points. Still, he understands he won't be replacing Marchand anytime soon.

"No way," Heinen said with a smile. "Not a chance. I'm excited to watch him play again and it'll be nice to have him back."

Heinen will likely be reunited with Riley Nash and David Backes on the team's third line on Wednesday against the Rangers.

"I had a lot of fun on (Bergeron's) line, and going back to the other line, I'll just try to do the same thing. Wherever they put me I'll be playing with great players up and down the lineup. It was definitely fun playing with those guys and excited to see Marchy back."

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

SECONDARY HEADLINE



Still going: The Red Wings didn't generate too many quality scoring chances until the waning minutes of regulation, but Tuukka Rask finished with 26 saves to extend his career-best point streak to 21 games. He hasn't lost in regulation since Nov. 26 against the Edmonton Oilers.

TURNING POINT 

Hanging on and closing out: Down two goals late in the game, the Red Wings pulled Howard for the extra attacker. It worked once and Detroit cut its deficit to one goal at 18:36 of the third period. Fortunately for the Bruins, they were able to stifle the attack the rest of the way and held on for the win.

"We've been pretty good at it and we still won the game, but we'll look and see if there are areas if we can be more aggressive, or less aggressive," explained Cassidy. "We took a couple of shots late at the empty net, and more and more teams are doing that, but yes, I thought we did a good job. We kept it to the outside and allowed Tuukka to see the first shot and go from there. Guys take a lot of pride in that and we were able to get it done. (Detroit's) going to have a push, right? They're the home team and a desperate team and they had it late and we were able to get it done."

THREE UP

Sean Kuraly: It's no coincidence he scored his first goal since Nov. 24 when he was on the ice with Heinen. He made an unbelievable no-look pass to Pastrnak, who quickly found Kuraly for the goal to give Boston a 2-1 lead.

"I remember (Nov. 24) because it was Thanksgiving and I've been thinking about that one for awhile," Kuraly said with a smile. "No (celebratory) leap today, but I was pretty excited to get it."

Pastrnak: With his assist tonight, No. 88 extended his point streak to nine games. He has four goals and seven assists for 11 points in this span. He also has six goal and 11 assists for 17 points in his last 15 games.

David Krejci: He was making his presence felt all over the ice all game. He contributed his 10th goal of the season and now has 10 points in his last 11 games.

THREE DOWN

Heinen: Relax, he's only in this category because tonight was his last game on Bergeron's line. Heinen quickly became comfortable on Boston's top line and proved he can play a top-six role well.

Frank Vatrano: It was the forward's fifth consecutive game back in the lineup, but exited late in the second period and did not return for the remainder of the game. If he can't play on Wednesday, it's likely Noel Acciari (lower body) could be ready to return.

Ryan Spooner: Early in the game he was having issues with puck management, but he made up for it with a few solid defensive plays.

NOT ON THE SCORE SHEET

It's not often that Bergeron gets outworked on a play. In fact, it hardly ever happens. During Boston's first power play of the game, he created a quality scoring chance and generated a shot on net. Howard made the initial save and the rebound was right there for Bergeron, but Red Wings defenseman Trevor Daley made a nice play and poke checked the puck away from Bergeron, who easily would have had an open net.

UP NEXT

A quick turnaround for the Bruins as they face the Rangers Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden. It's the ninth of 14 sets of back-to-back games this season.