Just weeks after concluding his career at Boston College, Marc McLaughlin found himself on the ice and on the scoresheet with his childhood idol, Patrice Bergeron.
“I’ve imagined that moment in my basement countless times,” said the undrafted former BC captain, who scored in his NHL debut Thursday night during a six-goal second-period surge that led the Bruins to an 8-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils. “It’s definitely surreal.”
Brad Marchand scored twice and nearly had a hat trick, though one goal was disallowed despite fans tossing their hats onto the ice. Patrice Bergeron contributed a goal and two assists, while David Pastrnak added three. The Bruins achieved their highest goal total since Thanksgiving 2019.
Matt Grzelcyk, Jake DeBrusk, Erik Haula, and Taylor Hall also scored for Boston. Linus Ullmark made 25 saves, helping the Bruins to their fifth win in six games and their 15th in the last 19.
Jack Hughes scored for the Devils, who suffered their ninth consecutive road loss, thus eliminating them from playoff contention.
“Nobody’s exempt from this,” said coach Lindy Ruff. “We all had a part in this one.”
Early in the second period, Haula and Marchand scored to give the Bruins a 4-1 lead. Then Bergeron, Marchand, and McLaughlin scored three times within 3 minutes and 3 seconds off two different goalies, turning the game into a blowout.
Nico Daws was pulled after conceding Bergeron’s goal, having stopped 15 of 20 shots. Jon Gilles replaced him but also struggled, allowing goals on two of the first three shots before stabilizing to make 17 saves overall.
McLaughlin, a native of nearby Billerica who tallied 31 points in 33 games at BC this season and played for the U.S. in the Beijing Olympics, signed with the Bruins after the Eagles’ season ended. He joined the third line due to an illness to Craig Smith.
He scored on a two-on-one breakaway, redirecting a perfect pass from Trent Frederic into the net. McLaughlin celebrated by skating backward into the boards with both hands raised as fans, including around 50 friends and family members, erupted in cheers.
“Did you see the bench? That tells you a little bit,” Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said. “Everyone on the bench was excited for him. To get your first goal in front of your family, it’s special.”
Hall scored four minutes later on Pastrnak’s third assist of the game. Marchand appeared to score again with a minute left in the second, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
“I’ve never seen that. Do we refund the hats?” Cassidy joked, referring to the Pro Shop’s policy of awarding a 25% discount on hats after a hat trick. Those people should get the benefit of the doubt on that. I don’t know how they police it, but it’s out of my hands.”
TUUKKA TIME
The Bruins honored longtime goalie Tuukka Rask before the game. The 2014 Vezina Trophy winner was on the ice with his family for a ceremonial puck drop. Fans chanted “Tuk!” one last time at TD Garden.
“It’s a good way for him to say bye to the fans,” Marchand said. “He deserved to be honored for all he did for this team and the city.”
Rask, the franchise’s all-time leader in wins and the 2014 Vezina Trophy winner retired last month after a setback in his attempt to return from a torn labrum in his hip.
“It was time to be honest with yourself,” he said. I had a great career. I have no regrets.”
UP NEXT
- Devils: Host Florida on Saturday.
- Bruins: Host Columbus on Saturday night.
