The Anaheim Ducks scored a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory against the Boston Bruins on February 22, 2025, extending their winning streak to four games and exacerbated the Bruins’ struggles this season.
The matchup at TD Garden was particularly significant for the Bruins, who were vying for traction as they aimed to secure a playoff spot with just 25 games left in the regular season. The interim coach, Joe Sacco, emphasized the importance of this game, stating, “We’ve talked about expectations moving forward and the way we want to go about achieving those goals.” With key players like Charlie McAvoy sidelined, Sacco added, “Everybody needs to step up, that's just the way it is right now.”
Despite the Bruins’ recent hurdles, they almost erased what started as a two-goal deficit. The Ducks opened the scoring late in the first period. Leo Carlsson netted the game-winner with just 1:21 left on the clock during overtime, showcasing the Ducks’ resilience and push for playoff aspirations.
The Ducks jumped out to a commanding 2-0 lead within the first period after outshooting the Bruins 17-7. Goals by Trevor Zegras at 17:23 and Frank Vatrano at 18:22 left the Bruins struggling to find their rhythm early on. Swayman’s performance was already under scrutiny as he faced several challenging plays, including one where Cutter Gauthier could have added another for Anaheim, but Swayman held his ground.
“Born ready, baby!” was how Bruins’ goaltender Jeremy Swayman responded to inquiries about his readiness to face Anaheim, marking his return from the 4 Nations Face-Off where he was third on the depth chart. The pressure mounted, especially when the Ducks took early control of the game.
Things shifted for the Bruins during the second period as the Ducks’ discipline faltered, leading to several penalties. Their first power-play opportunity failed to capitalize but the Bruins struck on the second chance. Elias Lindholm scored on a five-on-three power play after David Pastrnak drew two back-to-back infractions, halving the lead to 2-1.
Enter Morgan Geekie, who had been denied on several attempts earlier in the game. With time winding down and the Bruins with Swayman pulled for the extra skater, Geekie found the back of the net with just 1:11 left on the clock. Initially ruled out due to goalie interference, the Bruins challenged the call, and it was reversed, sending the match to overtime. Fans erupted as the Bruins came alive, and optimism started to bubble among the crowd.
While it seemed the momentum was swinging, the Ducks remained undeterred. With Swayman’s hard work noted as he stopped 26 shots, the shift back to playing competitively showed as they seamlessly adapted, even after goalie John Gibson exited with an upper-body injury. Lukas Dostal stepped up, making ten saves to seal the win for Anaheim.
The final play, executed by Carlsson, was the crown jewel of the night. Finishing with precision, he rocketed home the winning goal, leaving the Bruins’ faithful disheartened yet again. “It’s just about the group sticking together and really trying to find our way through this,” echoed Sacco when discussing the need for unity during challenging times.
Frustration was evident as the Bruins continued to struggle, now on their third straight loss, falling to 0-2-1 over their last three games. “The Ducks didn’t let the two-week break cool them off,” analysis noted, reflecting on their ability to maintain momentum and focus. For the Ducks, they were bolstered by this victory, having won seven of their last eight, marking this as their best stretch of the season.
Despite enjoying the home-ice advantage, the Bruins glanced toward their upcoming matchups against tough opponents, needing to rediscover their drive. Upcoming games against teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs would be pivotal as they push to reverse their fortunes.
This game served as more than just another match; it highlighted the mounting pressure on Sacco and his team, posing questions heading forward. Can the Bruins regroup? Will the Ducks maintain their momentum? With the intensity of the NHL season ramping up, it remains to be seen how these narratives will shape up.
One thing is clear; as teams approach the climax of the regular season, these games have become more than sheer statistics, but defining moments for players, coaches, and fans alike.