BSJ Game Report: Bruins 1, Coyotes 0 - Halak stands tall, posts 35-save shutout in tight win over Coyotes

Everything you need to know from the Bruins’ 1-0 victory over the Coyotes in quickie form, with BSJ insight and analysis…

Box Score

HEADLINES: 

Halak steals the show

After playing a key role in Boston’s run to the Cup Final in 2018-19, Jaroslav Halak’s strong play last season appeared to translate over into preseason play — as the veteran netminder stopped 45 of the 46 shots that came his way over two games.

He didn’t slow down in his regular-season debut on Saturday night in Arizona. He actually managed to be even better — as Halak stopped all 35 shots that came his way in what was a 1-0 victory for the Bruins.

Halak’s shutout showing was needed in what was a sluggish night for the rest of Boston’s roster, as the Bruins clung to a slim lead off the stick of Brad Marchand in the first period and labored when it came to generating some breathing room. 

Along with another stalled showing on the power play, Boston was sluggish with the puck, with the visitors tagged with 11 giveaways in the contest while only generating six high-danger scoring chances during 49:04 of 5v5 play.

Still, even with the Bruins struggling to create quality chances down low and Arizona piling on Grade-A shots, Halak did not budge, allowing Boston to come away with two points on a night in which few players in the locker room will be pleased with their performance. 

Bergeron line returns to form 

While the Coyle line was a force in Boston’s victory over the Stars on Thursday, the Bergeron line left a lot more to be desired, combining for just three shots on goal in the victory. 

Saturday night was much more of what Bruins fans have been accustomed to over the years, with the 63-37-88 line doing most of the heavy lifting in the offensive zone. 



On a night in which the Krejci/Coyle/Kuraly lines combined for 10 shots on goal, the Bergeron line alone landed nine shots - including a snipe from Marchand that stood as the only tally of the night at 18:41 in the first period. 

https://twitter.com/ConorRyan_93/status/1180660910840524801

It was still far from a perfect night for all involved, even this trio — as Boston was outshot, 2-0, during their 1:18 of power-play TOI Saturday. But given the Coyotes' stingy defensive system and a sluggish showing from the rest of Boston's forwards, a lone 5v5 tally was just what Boston needed from its big guns in Arizona. If anything, it was a good start to build off of.

THREE UP:

Jaroslav Halak: Bailed out the Bruins on numerous occasions Saturday. To open the year, Boston's netminders have posted a .984 save percentage. Easy to earn four points when you have performances like that in net.

Brad Marchand: Along with his snipe in the first period, Marchand landed two more shots on goal in the win — while Boston held a 12-7 edge in 5v5 scoring chances during his 13:07 of TOI. A solid response from a sluggish season opener.

Krug-Carlo pairing: While McAvoy-Chara had their hands full with Phil Kessel, Clayton Keller and strong top line for Arizona, Boston's second pairing of Torey Krug and Brandon Carlo provided a stabilizing presence — with Boston holding a 15-6 edge in shot attempts and a 6-2 advantage in shots on goal during their 12:54 of 5v5 TOI together.

TWO DOWN

Top Power Play Unit: Once again, the big guns on the man advantage didn't do too much when given a chance, with Arizona outshooting Boston, 2-0, during the time in which Marchand, Bergeron and Pastrnak were out on the ice.

Brett Ritchie: While Charlie Coyle was noticeable on a number of shifts, the same can't be said for his right winger in Ritchie, especially as the game progressed. During Ritchie's 10:13 of 5v5 TOI, Boston was outshot by Arizona, 7-0. Yeeesh.

PLAY OF THE GAME:

Always fun to see a goaltender battle these days — and both Halak and Darcy Kuemper were up to the task. 

https://twitter.com/ConorRyan_93/status/1180669944444456960

https://twitter.com/ConorRyan_93/status/1180669328963915776

PARTING THOUGHT:

While Boston’s offense labored on Saturday, the B’s also excelled at limiting quality chances down the other end of the ice, with Par Lindholm making one of the plays of the night with this nifty backcheck steal against Kessel.

https://twitter.com/ConorRyan_93/status/1180666738628796416

Looking Ahead: 

The Bruins will continue their road trip on Tuesday, with the B’s set to battle the Vegas Golden Knights at the T-Mobile Arena. Puck drop is set for 10 p.m.