NEWARK, N.J. -- On June 7, 2013, Adam McQuaid scored the game-winning goal en route to a 1-0 victory as the Bruins completed a sweep of the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Eastern Conference finals.
It was the goal that sent the Bruins onto the Stanley Cup finals against the Chicago Blackhawks. Entering Sunday's game against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center, the veteran defenseman had scored only six goals since his heroic postseason tally. McQuaid recorded his first of this season, which proved to be the game-winner, in a bizarre 5-3 win over the Devils.
"That one (in the ECF) was a little nicer than this one," McQuaid said with a smile.
His goal against the Devils wasn't pretty but it was effective. He's been doing a better job this season of pinching, winning puck battles along the walls and keeping the play alive in the offensive zone.
"I'm trying to be more involved offensively," he said. "When the opportunities are there to keep plays alive, and to make the right reads, but still trying not to give up odd-man rushes, or being risky. It's a work in progress."
That's how the game-winner unfolded.
He was on the right point when teammate Riley Nash controlled the puck along the wall. He had two defenders closing in when he tossed the puck back to the blue line. McQuaid was actually a step outside the zone when he moved into position and took an off-balance shot. The puck bounced in the slot and beat Eddie Lack to give the Bruins a 4-3 lead at 11:55 of the third period.
Not a bad time for Quaider's first of the year. #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/lAcwyaPgCC
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) February 12, 2018
35 huge stops from Doby tonight in Jersey, including this one on Travis Zajac's first-period penalty shot. #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/sJewLINUvD
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) February 12, 2018
No. 10 on the year for @ToreyKrug. #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/DKA06VKnOk
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) February 12, 2018
That goal. ? That celly. ?? @hallsy09 pic.twitter.com/jJaDLoAwzd
— NHL GIFs (@NHLGIFs) February 12, 2018