Boston, MA – The Anaheim Ducks clinched a riveting victory over the Boston Bruins, 3-2, in overtime on Saturday night, marking their fourth consecutive win. Leo Carlsson netted the decisive goal with just 1:21 remaining before the conclusion of overtime at TD Garden, leaving the home crowd both stunned and frustrated.
The win saw the Ducks improve to 25-24-6 for the season, continuing their impressive run since the recent 4 Nations Face-Off break. The Ducks jumped to an early lead, with Trevor Zegras and Frank Vatrano scoring within two minutes of each other late in the first period. This allowed Anaheim to take control early, boasting a 2-0 lead at the end of the first.
The game, though, was far from straightforward. The Bruins fought back, demonstrating resilience by tying the game late in regulation. Elias Lindholm scored during a five-on-three power play after back-to-back tripping calls on David Pastrnak sent the Bruins to the advantage. With their netminder Jeremy Swayman pulled for an extra skater, Morgan Geekie launched a well-placed slap shot from the left circle, pulling the Bruins even at 2-2 with just 1:11 left.
This last-minute drama not only thrilled the fans but also brought forth controversy. An initial ruling declared Lindholm had interfered with Ducks goalie John Gibson, resulting in Geekie's goal being nullified. The ensuing uproar saw some Bruins fans throwing trash onto the ice, prompting public address announcements urging calm. Fortunately for Boston, the team successfully challenged the on-ice call and the goal stood, sending the game to overtime.
Despite the late equalizer, the momentum was captured back by the Ducks. Leo Carlsson's eventual game-winning goal cemented the Ducks' dominance. Gibson, who left the game with an unspecified upper-body injury after two periods, had previously stopped 19 of 20 shots. Lukas Dostal stepped up as the relief goaltender, making 10 saves and successfully holding off the Bruins' attempts during overtime.
The win against the Bruins extends the Ducks winning streak to four, and with this uphill climb adding to their morale, it’s becoming apparent how impactful this stretch of games is for their confidence. Post-game, the Ducks' coach remarked, "The Ducks didn’t let the two-week break cool them off, winning for the seventh time in their last eight games." This sentiment reflects their ability to maintain momentum, which they will aim to sustain as they head to Detroit for their next match.
On the contrary, the Bruins faced another disappointing outcome, marking their third straight loss and pushing their record to 27-24-7. Their playoff hopes are dimming as the season progresses with only 24 games remaining. Bruins’ star David Pastrnak, who extended his impressive point streak to 14 games, was the standout, with his assist on Lindholm’s goal being the highlight of the night for Boston fans. The 28-year-old forward now boasts 27 points during this streak, which is the longest for him and the longest for the franchise since the 2008-09 season.
Critically, the Bruins are grappling with injuries; notable defenseman Charlie McAvoy remains sidelined due to shoulder issues he suffered earlier this month. Despite the efforts of players like Pastrnak and Lindholm, the inconsistency is something the coaching staff will need to address urgently.
After the game, Boston's coach analyzed the team's performance, voicing their struggles with getting back on their skates early on. "The Black and Gold struggled to get their skating legs going," they noted. This pattern has controlled the Bruins this season, where falling behind has become far too common. Now, with time running out, each remaining game is increasingly significant.
Looking forward, the Ducks will look to maintain their ascendancy during their upcoming match against the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Bruins will host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday containing the pressing need to turn their fate around before it’s too late.
Overall, the matchup was filled with typical NHL drama, from penalty calls and overturned decisions to spirited comebacks and exhilarating overtime conclusions. The Ducks have solidified their prowess, and the Bruins are left scrambling to turn their season around.