Final: Bruins 6, Canadiens 3 - Coyle and McAvoy score multiple goals as Bruins defeat Canadiens in Centennial Game

For the second time this season, the Bruins defeat the Montreal Canadiens at home winning 6-3 in their Centennial Game. With multiple legendary Bruins in attendance for the celebration, it is great to see Boston come through with a much-needed victory.

In the first period, the Bruins took a commanding lead scoring three goals in a span of 70 seconds. Skating down from the point, Charlie McAvoy scored the first goal of the game on a wrap-around goal. 

Receiving a pass from behind the net, David Pastrnak scored the second goal sniping a one-timer goal to the bottom left corner of the net past Montreal's goalie Cayden Primeau.

Seconds later, Charlie Coyle would then score the third and final goal of the period on a backhand shot from the slot.

This was a great first period for Boston which saw them finally score goals right in front of the net. They were able to retain the puck on rebounds and it gave them the momentum that helped them win the game.

In the second period, McAvoy scored his second goal on shorthanded breakaway. McAvoy retrieved a loose puck in hid defensive  zone out-skating Montreal's power play unit and finishing the highlight with a backhand goal past Primeau.

Montreal scored their first goal in the second period off a tip from Cole Caufield, and Bruins entered the third period with a 4-1 lead.

Even after Coyle's second goal of the game, the Bruins weren't able to seal the victory until the final minutes of the game. Emil Heineman and Caufield sniped one-timer goals catching the Bruins flat-footed in transition, and Montreal brought the game within two goals. Cole Koepke netted an empty net goal with less than five minutes left in the game eliminating a last-effort comeback for Montreal.

Despite the Bruins scoring five goals in the game, there were still flaws within this game. Boston still isn't able to win face-off draws which sets them back while on special teams. Boston has also struggled to win much-needed corner battles. They allowed Montreal to keep ahold of the puck through a majority of the third period which gave them a chance to come back in the game.

Regardless, it was great seeing Coyle and McAvoy have great offensive performances in this game. In an early that has seen both players struggle so far, it seemed as if they finally were able to play their brands of hockey which helped the Bruins comes out with the victory,

The Bruins will play their next game against the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in Boston.

_______________________________

WHO: Bruins (11-11-3) vs Canadiens (8-12-3)
WHEN: 3 p.m.
WHERE: TD Garden, Boston
TV: NESN
RADIO: 98.5-FM The Sports Hub

LIVE BOX SCORE

ROSTERS

PROJECTED LINES

Boston

Geekie - Zacha - Pastrnak

Marchand - Lindholm - Brazeau

Frederic - Coyle - Johnson

Beecher - Kastelic - Koepke

Lohrei - McAvoy

Wotherspoon - Carlo

Zadorov - Peeke

Swayman

Korpisalo

Montreal

Caufield - Suzuki - Newhook

Slafkovsky - Dvorak - Gallagher

Roy - Dach - Anderson 

Heineman - Evans - Armia

Hutson - Matheson

Guhle - Barron

Xhekaj - Savard

Montembeault

Primeau

PREGAME NOTES

The Bruins host the Canadiens in their Centennial game today and the second of three games between these teams this season and the Canadiens’ second of two game at TD Garden this season.

The Bruins are playing today their fifth of 17 matinees this season (local time 4:00 pm or earlier).

On Saturday, Boston unveiled a new bear statue before their Centennial Game against Montreal. The bear is located at Portal Park.