Despite a last-second surge, the Boston Bruins dropped a 4-3 decision to the Philadelphia Flyers in overtime on Sunday afternoon at Wells Fargo Center. Claude Giroux notched the game-winning goal in OT. The Bruins tied the game with 3.8 seconds remaining in regulation, but couldn't complete the comeback.
Pregame notes.
After missing nine games with an upper-body injury, Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara returned to the lineup today. His presence is needed, especially after Brandon Carlo suffered a broken left fibula during Saturday's 5-1 win over the Florida Panthers at TD Garden.
Charlie McAvoy will not return but he skated on his own Sunday morning in Philadelphia. He's progressing, and according to coach Bruce Cassidy, McAvoy will have an opportunity to play against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla.
Bruins forward Riley Nash, who also suffered a head injury after he was hit in the head by a shot on Saturday, did not travel with the team to Philly. Cassidy said Nash received 40-plus stitches in and around his ear. He could rejoin the team in Tampa, but he's in a lot of discomfort, according to Cassidy.
Anton Khudobin will start against the Flyers. He's 25-6-6 in 29 games this season, along with a 2.53 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage. He's 4-2-0 in six career games against the Flyers.
Observations from the first period.
- Jake DeBrusk's development this season has been phenomenal -- both good and bad. More good now than the other way.
- Turnover by Kevan Miller leads to a quality scoring chance for the Flyers, but Khudobin comes up with a big save on a redirect in front.
- Shayne Gostisbehere is probably one of the few defensemen in the league that can keep up with Brad Marchand is tight battles.
- David Pastrnak can't believe that save but what a stop by Mrazek to keep the game scoreless with 10:30 remaining in the period.
- What a quick change of momentum in a span of eight seconds. After that tremendous save by Mrazek, Claude Giroux scores at the other end to give the Flyers a 1-0 lead.
- Bruins look like a team that played less than 24 hours ago.
- DeBrusk needs to be stronger on his stick in that situation.
- Marchand was just named the NHL's second star for the month of March. He registered 26 points in 15 games last month.
- After Saturday's game, David Krejci was limping through the locker room. It's that time of the season when everybody's banged up.
- Not often Patrice Bergeron gets beat in that fashion as Travis Konecny scores only 25 seconds into the period for a 2-0 lead.
- Solid second effort by DeBrusk and he draws a penalty. Bruins getting their first PP of the game.
- Backes hurt and goes to the bench. Seems to be fine. He has zero luck this season.
- This is turning into a dangerous game for the Bruins. Playing back-to-back games in less than 24 hours is having an impact. Plus, the Flyers are motivated and winning the physical battles.
- Konecny with another chance on a partial breakaway but Khudobin with a left-pad save. But, the Flyers gain a power play.
- Bruins kill it off.
- Players on both sides blowing tires time and again. Wonder if the ice is chewed up.
- Cassidy admits the Bruins are running on fumes today.
- Another strong example of Ryan Donato going to the dirty areas and nearly puts one in.
- I would take Adam McQuaid on my team any day. What a backcheck and he dives to stifle a 2-on-0.
- Noel Acciari has found a new gear. He's been more comfortable in the middle and he's proving it to cut Boston's deficit to 2-1.
- It's evident Chara has missed nine games.
- Krejci draws a penalty.
- Golden opportunity -- again -- for Donato but can't capitalize.
- Marchand should know by now that he's not going to get a veteran call, so now it's 4-on-4 for 18 seconds before Flyers get a PP.
- Chara is a different player without McAvoy.
- Again, not often the Bergeron's line gets beat as Nolan Patrick scores to give the Flyers a 3-1 lead with 14:28 remaining in regulation.
- Smart play by Krejci to keep his legs moving after making that pass and draws a penalty.
- On the power play, Pastrnak collects a turnover and his shot from the left circle ricochets off a MacDonald's skate and into the net to cut Boston's deficit to one goal.
- Originally, I thought the Bruins would go with a normal lineup in the last game of the regular season next Sunday, which is a makeup game from earlier in the season. Since it will be another back-to-back, I'm changing my mind and now believe there will be callups for that game against the Panthers.
- A solid stick-on-puck play by Chara. Bruins are finding some late energy.
- 26.4 remaining and Bruins have an O-zone faceoff with the extra attacker.
- With 3.8 seconds remaining and the Bruins tie it at 3-3. Bergeron gets the tying goal. Cassidy can't believe it on the bench. You can never count out this team.
- DeBrusk is playing pretty well.
- Giroux is such an awesome player. He scores the game-winner to give the Flyers a 4-3 victory.