The Boston Bruins erased a two-goal, third-period deficit en route to a 3-2 victory over the Dallas Stars Friday night at American Airlines Arena. David Pastrnak scored the game-winning goal with 11.1 seconds remaining in the third period. Tuukka Rask made a season-high 40 saves.
Boston has earned points in 11 of its last 13 game with an 9-2-2 record. And, the Bruins have done it without the likes of Torey Krug, Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chara, Charlie McAvoy, David Backes, Jake DeBrusk and Rick Nash.
Pregame notes.
Tuukka Rask will get the start against the Stars. He's 6-0-1 in his last seven games. He's 30-11-5 with a 2.35 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage in 47 games this season.
Bruce Cassidy is coaching his 100th Bruins game tonight. He's 63-25-11 with a .694 winning percentage.
Observations from the first period.
- Down so many players, just get the puck deep if you're in trouble. Better puck management needed from Brandon Carlo.
- Bruins get caught running around in their end and the Stars gain a 1-0 lead.
- Miscommunication and Carlo get's turned around. It's that type of speed that the Maple Leafs possess up front, so if Boston and Toronto face each other in the first round, it could mean the difference between being in the lineup or a healthy scratch.
- Bruins finally sustain forecheck but can't finish.
- Dallas getting the first power play of the game.
- Nice work by Carlo in front on the PK.
- Ryan Donato nearly nets his third goal in as many games.
- Riley Nash with his second penalty of the game.
- That was an impressive glove save by Rask on Tyler Seguin on the power play.
- Can't think of another player in the league that can chip, chase and retrieve as well as Brad Marchand.
- That was an entertaining opening period.
Observations from the second period.
- Boston needs more from its top line. It finally registers its first shot of the game.
- Bruins get their first PP of the game. Good time to capitalize.
- Paul Postma deserves a goal. Such a trying season for him but a role he's accepted.
- I've said it many times, but Miller is having a career season.
- The Bruins' fourth line, or third line tonight, is creating chances.
- The Stars will get a too-many-men penalty tonight. A few questionable changes.
- I like Carlo's effort in this game. Actually, I never doubt his effort.
- Don't like that hit on Krejci. Seemed a bit high and don't like how he reacted after he got to his feet and went right to the bench.
- He seems fine now.
- McQuaid playing like someone who wants to stay in the lineup. He always does but it's gonna be a tough decision for Cassidy once everyone is healthy.
- Jamie Benn with a shorthanded goal for a 2-0 lead.
Observations from the third period.
- What an effort by Boston's top line, especially Riley Nash as Pastrnak scores to cut the Bruins' deficit to one. Actually, goal is credited to Marchand because it ricochetted off his shin pad.
- Carlo's picking up his game. I want to see him succeed in the NHL. Has all the tools.
- Soooo close for Tommy Wingels.
- My money's on Miller being the strongest player in the NHL.
- That's a tough penalty on Carlo. Bruins need to kill this off. By the book? Yes.
- Third shorthanded goal of the season by Tim Schaller and the game is tied at 2-2.
- Other than Rask allowing that shorthanded goal earlier in the game, he's been solid.
- McQuaid is such a solid player. Many fans would likely disagree but he's important to this team for many reasons.
- Grzelcyk is so good. Only going to get better.
- With 11.1 seconds remaining in regulation, what an incredible play by Marchand to Pastrnak for the go-ahead goal.
Here are the Bruins' projected line combinations and defensive pairings vs. the Stars.
Forwards
Defense
Goalies