BSJ Game Report: Bruins 4, Islanders 1 – Boston wins in comeback fashion again

Everything you need to know from the Bruins’ 4-1 win over the New York Islanders, with BSJ insight and analysis…

BOX SCORE 

HEADLINES

Bruins rebound from sleepy start to pull away with win: It took a little longer than expected, but once Boston woke up, they never looked back, scoring four unanswered goals en route to a 4-1 win at the New York Islanders on Wednesday. It's Boston's 13th comeback win this season.

Linus Ullmark (26 saves) was sharp early in his 100th career win, keeping the Islanders at bay before Zach Parise opened up the scoring with a one-timer from the top of the left circle that hit David Krejci on its way in. 

Boston’s defense stood tall from there, helping the Bruins take over in the second period. Charlie McAvoy tied it 1-1 with a one-timer from the point off a feed from Matt Grzelcyk, who took a tour of most of the offensive zone surveying his options. It was McAvoy’s first goal since Nov. 23. Derek Forbort made it 2-1 on the doorstep with his first goal since Dec. 13, putting in the rebound after Pavel Zacha hit the post. 

Brad Marchand added insurance in the third period when he made it 3-1 on the power play. Boston took advantage of Parise playing without a stick, moving the puck around the zone quickly before David Pastrnak sent a slap-pass to Marchand, who buried it. 

Trent Frederic scored to make it 4-1 late, roofing a shot from in front of the crease off a pass from Charlie Coyle. Frederic tied his previous career-high for points in a season (18), which he set last year. 

It’s the Bruins’ first win on the road against the Islanders after losing their previous six tries. 

THREE UP

Matt Grzelcyk: No. 48’s strong stretch of play continued tonight. He was effective and played to his strengths, using his skating, vision and passing, which came together perfectly when he set up McAvoy’s equalizer in the second.

Linus Ullmark: There isn’t much that hasn’t been said of Ullmark’s strong season already. He kept the Bruins in it during the first period and the start of the second. He stopped all high-danger chances he faced, and the Islanders could only beat him when Parise’s one-timer deflected off Krejci in front. 

The penalty kill: The Bruins held the Islanders to 0-for-6 on the power play. Five of those opportunities came at key times with Boston either trailing or trying to keep New York from getting back into the game.

TWO DOWN

David Pastrnak: He is human, after all. Pastrnak faced turnover and discipline troubles in this one. He had two turnovers in particular lead to good chances for Pageau, who squandered both. Add in two tripping penalties, which made for a night that No. 88 might want to forget. Although, he partially made up for it when he set up Marchand on the power play. 

The first period: The Bruins have given up the first goal eight times in their last 13 games and five times in eight games since Jan. 1. Boston was sloppy early on, and Ullmark kept them alive until the execution improved in the second period. The 13 comeback wins on the season might not be a stat they'll want to rely on when it matters most.

PLAY OF THE GAME

The goals and the saves might grab the headlines, but Grzelcyk did just enough to prevent Pageau from getting a shot away here when Boston was still down 1-0 in the second.

LOOSE PUCKS

Should Linus Ullmark participate in the stickhandling portion of the skills competition at the All-Star game? 

LOOKING AHEAD

The Bruins will turn right around to face the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden, tomorrow, Jan. 19. Puck-drop is scheduled for 7 p.m.