Thanks to the return of goaltender Tuukka Rask (22 saves, 9-4-2) who missed the past 11 games, two goals from left wing Brad Marchand and a highlight reel first goal as a Bruin for left wing Taylor Hall, Boston (23-12-6) was finally able to beat the Islanders (27-12-4) this evening at the TD Garden. Far more than any other club in the East Division, the Islanders had given the Bruins fits this season before tonight: beating them three times in regulation, once in overtime and once in a shootout. The B's were determined to change that narrative as they had an awesome first period by outshooting New York 23-7 (their most shots on goal in a frame this season) and building a 2-0 lead then never looking back.
The importance of getting their No. 1 goalie on the ice can't be overlooked as Rask happened to pick up his 300th career NHL win in the process. Rookie Jeremy Swayman (3-1-0) has been a great story but if the Black and Gold are going anywhere this season, their best chance is with a healthy and motivated Rask in net. This is the 10th time in Marchand's NHL career (and 8th in a row) where he has scored 20+ goals. He made it 1-0 just 1:49 into the contest when center Patrice Bergeron's wild shot deflected off his linemate's back and past Islanders goaltender Semyon Varlamov (41 saves, 16-9-3). Another one of the three newest Bruins-defenseman Mike Reilly picked up his first point with Boston by grabbing the secondary assist there. Right wing Craig Smith doubled Boston's lead with a power play goal at 17:55. He was in Bergy's famous bumper position and was able to one-time a shot through traffic for the tally. Center David Krejci and defenseman Charlie McAvoy had the assists on that key strike.
Center Travis Zajac scored his first goal as an Islander to cut it to 2-1 early in the second period at 2:56. New York's star left winger Mathew Barzal and right wing Jordan Eberle had the assists on the eighth goal of the season for the former Devil who was acquired at the trade deadline. Barzal changed directions behind the net and used a nifty pass to find Zajac in front for the one-timer that he got all of. Hall's goal was definitely a wow moment and a refresher for why he was once the No. 1 pick (in 2010) and the NHL MVP (in 2017). Right wing David Pastrnak sprung him for a partial breakaway and he sealed off his defender before firing a perfect low shot by Varlamov for his third goal of the season at 1:52 of the third period. I don't think it's hyperbole to say that there are only a few guys on the Bruins that could have pulled that move off and most importantly, had it result in a goal. Marchand wrapped up the huge two points with an empty-netter at 18:24 from Pastrnak.
In a true 2021 scheduling quirk, these same clubs meet again tomorrow night (7, NESN) at the Garden. The only thing about the game that I can say with any certainty right now is that I'm sure Swayman will face the Islanders backup goalie Ilya Sorokin (11-3-1). New York still has a nice cushion of six points separating themselves from Boston but if the Bruins can win on Friday, they would make it especially interesting because they still have two games in hand over the Isles with one final meeting left to go. It should be a grind and both teams don't shy away from fighting so don't be surprised if you see a few guys drop the gloves.
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