At this point of the season, the Bruins shouldn't surprise anyone anymore. Undermanned against a desperate team fighting for a playoff spot, Boston erased a two-goal, third-period deficit en route to a dramatic 3-2 victory over the Dallas Stars Friday night at American Airlines Center.
David Pastrnak's goal with 11.1 seconds remaining in regulation proved to be the game-winner, while goalie Tuukka Rask finished with a season-high 40 saves. It really is incredible to think that the Bruins continue to win without the likes of Torey Krug, Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chara, Charlie McAvoy, David Backes, Jake DeBrusk and Rick Nash.
DAVID PASTRNAK SCORES WITH JUST SECONDS ON THE CLOCK! BRUINS WIN! WOW! WHAT A COMEBACK! pic.twitter.com/E65lOXG4Bm
— NHL Daily 365 (@NHLDaily365) March 24, 2018
Killing them softly: Special teams have been so important for the Bruins this season, but their penalty kill proved crucial against the Stars. Boston went 4-for-4 on the PK and completely shut down a potent Stars power play.
No. 63: Brad Marchand finished with a goal and two assists to record his 24th multi-point game this season. He's been solid all year, especially with Bergeron out of the lineup. Marchand has reached an elite level.
BRAD MARCHAND REDIRECTS ONE HOME! BOSTON WITHIN 1! pic.twitter.com/TLgaUpobLQ
— NHL Daily 365 (@NHLDaily365) March 24, 2018
TURNING POINT
Mr. Shorty: Tim Schaller scored his third shorthanded goal of the season at 9:37 of the third period to tie the game at 2-2. At that point, as Pastrnak said postgame, the Bruins knew they would get the next one.
PALLER TIM SCHALLER, HOW DO YOU DO? WHAT A GOAL, BRUINS TIE IT AT 2! pic.twitter.com/E8knM8KN3h
— NHL Daily 365 (@NHLDaily365) March 24, 2018
FOUR UP
Danton Heinen: He's starting to resemble the player he was earlier this season. He had hit a bit of a rut a few weeks ago, but he's turned the corner. His puck management, ability to win battles along the walls and hockey IQ are all back and it could've have come at a better time for the rookie forward.
Kevan Miller: The veteran defenseman continues his career-best season. His contributions have been critical, especially with Chara, McAvoy and Krug sidelined. Miller has been an absolute beast the last couple of games. He finished with 23:33 of ice time against the Stars and shut down Dallas' top line.
Matt Grzelcyk: Miller shouldn't get all the credit because his defensive partner has been solid too. Grzelcyk finished with 24:35 of ice time and has performed well at both ends of the ice. He and Miller were two of the best players on the ice for the Bruins in this game.
Bruce Cassidy: Coaching his 100th game behind the Bruins' bench, Cassidy is 64-25-11 since taking over the job in February 2017.
NOT ON THE SCORE SHEET
Hello: Cassidy told reporters after the game Bergeron has been medically cleared and will join the team on Saturday in Minnesota. He will be a game-time decision but all indications are he could return to the lineup against the Wild.
UP NEXT
The Bruins will face the Wild on Sunday at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn.