Brad Marchand and Charlie McAvoy each netted crucial goals in the shootout, propelling the Boston Bruins to a much-needed 4-3 victory over the Dallas Stars on Monday.
Marchand’s timely goal ensured Boston stayed in the shootout fray after Dallas grabbed an initial 1-0 advantage. McAvoy’s subsequent score piled pressure on the Stars, compelling them to find the net, but Jeremy Swayman’s stellar performance saw him turn away 8 of 9 shootout attempts and conclude the game with an impressive 43 saves.
Boston Bruins forward David Pastrnak leveled the game on a 6-on-5 advantage with just 1:45 left in regulation. Pastrnak unleashed a blistering one-timer from the left circle, notching his 35th goal of the season, courtesy of a setup by Charlie McAvoy, who drew the Dallas defense towards him.
Esa Lindell, defenseman for the Dallas Stars, broke the 2-2 deadlock with 9:16 remaining in the third period, capitalizing on a 2-on-1 break to score his fifth goal of the season. Wyatt Johnston and Ryan Suter also found the net for Dallas in regulation, while goaltender Jake Oettinger made 26 saves.
In his NHL debut, Boston’s Justin Brazeau notched his maiden NHL goal, while Jesper Boqvist also found the back of the net.The Bruins’ first two goals stemmed from their fourth line’s efforts.
Anthony Richard set up Boqvist, who dashed down the right flank before slicing through to score, giving Boston a 1-0 lead. Boqvist played a pivotal role in the goal that knotted the game at 2-2 in the second period, sending it towards the net from behind, where Brazeau capitalized, scoring just a day after signing his first NHL contract.
Wyatt Johnston equalized for Dallas in the first period, and Ryan Suter handed the Stars a 2-1 advantage early in the second with a blistering shot from beyond the left circle that eluded Swayman glove side.
Prior to the game, Boston paid tribute to Brad Marchand for his recent milestone of skating in his 1,000th NHL game. The celebration featured video messages from the seven other players who achieved this feat with the Bruins. Additionally, during a break in the first period, more video tributes streamed in, with several of Marchand’s former teammates expressing their congratulations.
Acknowledging Brad Marchand’s milestone game, Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby expressed his preference for being Marchand’s linemate for Team Canada over facing off against the Boston captain. Marchand and Crosby previously teamed up as linemates when Canada clinched the 2016 World Cup.
In a characteristic display of intensity, Marchand engaged in fisticuffs with Dallas defenseman Joel Hanley with just 39.3 seconds remaining in the first period. Hanley was the first to hit the ice as Bruins fans cheered Marchand while he made his way off the rink.