David Pastrnak and Kevin Shattenkirk each scored twice, leading the Boston Bruins to a 5-2 comeback victory over the New Jersey Devils on Saturday night. This marked Boston’s second consecutive win following a four-game losing streak.
Second-Period Surge
The Bruins’ four-goal outburst in the second period was pivotal. Pastrnak’s two goals were part of this scoring spree, with Jake DeBrusk and Shattenkirk also finding the back of the net. Linus Ullmark made 31 saves to secure the win for Boston. Charlie Coyle contributed with two assists.
Devils’ Early Lead
Luke Hughes and Nico Hischier scored for New Jersey, which ended its three-game winning streak. Vitek Vanecek made 26 saves, and Tyler Toffoli assisted on both goals.
Injury Scare
Late in the game, Bruins star defenseman Charlie McAvoy left the ice favoring his left leg after colliding with Ullmark during a Devils’ 2-on-1 break. However, Bruins coach Jim Montgomery reassured that McAvoy was fine.
“He’s fine,” Montgomery said. “I think he just had a bit of a scare with a burner or a stinger. I don’t know where it was, but he walked around. He’s happy right now.”
Bruins’ Comeback
Trailing 2-0, Boston’s rally began with DeBrusk’s goal at 5:35 in the second period. Pastrnak then scored twice in quick succession to take the lead. His first came from a redirected shot that he backhanded into the net. His second was a power-play goal where he deftly maneuvered around Vanecek.
“You’re on the bench and you’re excited: ‘What’s he going to do next?'” Montgomery said. “He just went for a simple, traditional backhand goal around the far post, but he makes it look pretty nice.”
Shattenkirk’s Milestones
Shattenkirk scored his 100th career goal with a wrist shot from the right circle at 17:14 and added a power-play goal later in the third period.
Devils’ Early Success
Playing on back-to-back nights, the Devils took an early 2-0 lead with goals from Hughes and Hischier. Hughes scored 71 seconds into the second period after Hischier’s power-play goal in the first.
“We let Pastrnak walk right in and he took advantage of a tough change,” Devils coach Lindy Ruff said of Boston’s go-ahead score.
Bruins’ Debut
Boston’s 23-year-old center Georgii Merkulov made his NHL debut, and defenseman Matt Grzelcyk returned from an upper-body injury to contribute an assist.
Up Next
- Devils: Travel to face the Washington Capitals on Wednesday night.
- Bruins: Head to Detroit to play the Red Wings on Sunday.
