BSJ Game Report: Bruins 2, Flames 1 (OT) -- Win by a nose

Now that's a better response as the Boston Bruins posted a 2-1 overtime victory over the Calgary Flames Monday afternoon at Scotiabank Saddledome. It finished with Brad Marchand's game-winning goal at 3:36 of OT. More importantly, the Bruins cleaned up their recent defensive deficiencies in the win.

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

HEADLINES



Defense zone: After a disgusting 6-1 loss to the Canucks on Saturday, Bruce Cassidy held a video session prior to the team's practice on Sunday. He focused on defensive-zone coverage, specifically in the slot area and then ran practice drills to work on those aspects. He stressed that the team has been too loose in its own end and it needed to be fixed before it becomes a bigger issue. He described it as a "work day." The Bruins responded and did a solid job shutting down the opposition in the slot and created layers to stifle any offensive attack by the Flames.

To a point: The Bruins reached 80 points in their 57th game, matching the Golden Knights for fastest (in terms of games played) to reach the 80-point mark this season. The Lightning, the only other team to hit the mark, reached 80 points in their 58th game.

Masked man: After being pulled against the Canucks (even though it wasn't all his fault) on Saturday, Rask responded with an outstanding performance and finished with 28 saves en route to victory. He stood on his head during overtime and made five timely saves.  He's 21-2-2 in his last 25 games.

One and done: The Bruins entered this game with a 1-6 record in OT this season, so finishing with a win could serve as a motivational factor down the stretch. Plus, it helps that the Bruins still haven't lost consecutive games since Nov. 11-15.

TURNING POINT

Rask again: His performance in overtime allowed the Bruins to pull off the victory. He made five huge stops that led to Marchand's game-winner. The Flames created an all-out attack in OT, but Rask turned aside every quality chance.

THREE UP 

Jake DeBrusk: Maybe the Bruins should consider hiring his dad, Louie, because he's been in attendance the last two games and Jake has been one of the Bruins' best players in this span. He's been a force on the forecheck and he's creating chances for his linemates and getting opportunities to score too. He's coming into his own and there's no way Don Sweeney would consider trading the young forward, even though DeBrusk has been the asking price by many teams engaged in trade talks with the Bruins.

David Pastrnak: He's been pressing offensively of late and trying to be too cute. In fact, he was even demoted to the third line last Tuesday agains the Flames at TD Garden, but Pastrnak responded with one of his better games of late against Calgary. He provided his 22nd goal of the season and his first since Feb. 3. Give him credit because the few times Cassidy has challenged Pastrnak this season, the forward has responded in a positive manner.

Noel Acciari: The fourth line was solid once again, but Acciari was dialed in from the first shift. He was first on the forecheck nearly every shift and even created a few scoring chances. Moving forward, the Bruins will need more of the same from Acciari and the fourth line.

TWO DOWN 

Powerless: The Bruins need to figure out their power play and soon. Boston went 0-for-2 against the Flames, adding to an 2-for-23 slump in the last eight games.

David Backes: Not sure if there's something bothering him physically, but he seems a bit off the last few games. He's hesitating and hasn't been as engaged in the dirty areas as he normally plays.

NOT ON THE SCORE SHEET

Picked: No one picks the puck off the kick plate as smooth as Matt Grzelcyk. It's one of his strengths. He then uses his explosive speed to create separation. He does it time and again and it helps the breakout. It's a high-end play and impressive for rookie to make on such a consistent basis.

UP NEXT

The Bruins get right back at it when they play the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night (9 p.m. ET) at Rogers Place in Edmonton.