Everything you need to know from the Bruins’ 1-0 win over the Capitals in quickie form, with BSJ insight and analysis:
BOX SCORE
HEADLINES
B’s finally get over the hump: Something eventually had to give, as Boston snapped its 14-game losing streak to the Washington Capitals on Sunday afternoon thanks to a stout defensive effort and some stellar play from Tuukka Rask. This marks Boston’s first victory over Washington since March 29, 2014 — with the Caps outscoring the B’s by a 52-21 margin during their extended winning streak.
Similar to their loss to the Caps back on Jan. 10 (in which they outshot Washington, 41-21) the Bruins controlled play for most of Sunday’s matchup — holding a 30-13 edge in shots on goal through the end of two periods. The Caps pushed back as expected in the final stanza, but props to Boston’s D corps for stepping up after getting called out by Bruce Cassidy on Thursday.
For a team looking to right the ship after dropping five of its last six games, this is the kind of win that can go a long way.
Tuukka Rask: Even with some spotty history against the Capitals, Rask answered the call on Sunday with his team reeling — turning aside all 24 shots that came his way en route to his second shutout of the season.
It was far more than just another two points for the B’s and Rask, as the veteran netminder reached 253 career victories with Boston — becoming the winningest goalie in franchise history as a result. He passed Tiny Thompson, who has held on to the record since 1940.
THREE UP
Acciari Line: Boston’s reunited fourth line once again answered the call against a heavy Washington club, controlling puck possession thanks to a stout forecheck and willingness to bring the puck down low against Braden Holtby. The trio combined for a 52.17 Corsi For Percentage while holding a 4-0 edge in high-danger chances.
David Krejci: Despite how inconsistent his linemates have been, Krejci continues to produce whenever he's out on the ice. Give plenty of credit to all three skaters involved on Krejci’s game-winning tally, including David Pastrnak’s great entry.
Rask: Another great showing from Rask — who is now 7-0-2 with a .942 save percentage since Dec. 29. He might have struggled early in the year, but Rask has been carrying the B’s for most of the last month now.
ONE DOWN
Second Line: Krejci might have lit the lamp, but the second line as a unit struggled when it came to generating sustained scoring chances, even if Peter Cehlarik had some nice shifts in the offensive zone. During the 9:01 of 5v5 TOI that Krejci, Cehlarik and DeBrusk were out on the ice together, they were edged in scoring chances, 6-3, including a 0-2 margin in high-danger scoring bids.
PLAY OF THE GAME
With the Caps threatening for most of the final stanza, Rask stood on his head — highlighted by this great glove save on Travis Boyd.
Tuukka Rask denies Travis Boyd.
18 saves so far today. pic.twitter.com/WAYqa6jxoK
— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) February 3, 2019
Good lord - Chris Wagner just cracked T. J. Oshie. pic.twitter.com/FRzi5Eq8QE
— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) February 3, 2019