TAMPA, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Lightning had this game circled on their calendar. Earlier this season, the Lightning played probably their worst game, losing to the Bruins 3-2 on Nov. 29 at TD Garden, so Tampa wanted to respond and set the tone for a possible Stanley Cup playoff matchup.
It was Boston that sent a message.
Undermanned, the Bruins finished with a 3-0 victory over the Lightning Saturday night at Amalie Arena. It was a big boy road win against the best team point-wise in the Eastern Conference. While the Bruins have played a game every other day since March 6, the Lightning recently had three days off between games.
Boston's overall defensive game was outstanding and held the Lightning scoreless for the first time this season.
Everything else you need to know from the Bruins' win in quickie form, with BSJ insight and analysis.
HEADLINES
David Backes injured: The veteran forward suffered a laceration above his right knee and required several stitches. He suffered the injury at 19:39 of the first period and did not return. He was walking out of the locker room after the game and said he was ok. He didn't know how many stitches, but Cassidy guessed 18 or maybe more. Fortunately, there's no structural damage to a tendon or muscle.
Here’s the full David Backes sequence, def. seems to have been caught by a skate blade in an unprotected area. #nhlbruins pic.twitter.com/INa14u2YhZ
— Colin Beswick (@CBeswick) March 17, 2018
Getting involved in the traffic can sometimes pay off. It definitely did for @rileynash20. #BOSvsTBL pic.twitter.com/Af86fOBbBU
— NHL (@NHL) March 18, 2018
DAVID PASTRNAK SLIPS ONE HOME! 1-0 BRUINS OVER THE LIGHTNING! pic.twitter.com/56GdoCyRJF
— NHL Daily 365 (@NHLDaily365) March 18, 2018