The Bruins made it four straight wins, as they completed a two-game sweep of the Penguins with a 4-1 win Thursday night at TD Garden. Here are three key takeaways from the game:
1. Kuraly line gets on the board
Due to the absence of David Pastrnak and Jake DeBrusk, the Bruins shook up their line combinations for Thursday’s rematch with the Penguins.
However, one trio the team elected to keep together was Sean Kuraly, Anders Bjork and Chris Wagner.
The Bruins’ energy line was far and away the most effective unit in the first period and their hard work paid off on the score sheet.
Bjork played fast, decisive and confident while displaying his potential.
With the game still scoreless, Bjork’s chip off the glass in the neutral zone and puck pursuit on the forecheck led to an early power-play opportunity.
Though the Bruins didn’t capitalize on that man advantage, Bjork’s hustle was a sign of play to come.
The Kuraly line’s relentless forecheck eventually hemmed Pittsburgh in their own zone and led to Wagner’s first goal of the season and a 1-0 lead for the Bruins -- scoring against the Sidney Crosby line was a bonus.
After Pittsburgh tied the game on a Cody Ceci snap shot, it was the Bruins' “fourth” line once again getting on the board.
Once again, Bjork exemplified confidence skating around the offensive zone with speed and possession looking to make a play.
Following a shifty deke at the left point, Bjork threw a shot to the net that bounced off Kuraly and into the back of the net.
Bruce Cassidy and the rest of the Bruins’ coaching staff won’t be expecting this offense every game but they will be expecting the same effort and energy.
2. Patrice Bergeron is heating up
Patrice Bergeron is such a complete player he finds ways to positively impact games even when he doesn’t find the score sheet. With that said, the Bruins’ captain is that much more dangerous when he’s firing offensively and that’s exactly what he’s been proving of late.
Only seven games into the season, Bergeron has already scored a goal at even strength, on the power play and shorthanded.
Furthermore, with four goals, two assists and six points in his last four games -- including two goals Thursday -- Bergeron is heating up just in time for when he and linemate Brad Marchand are soon to be reunited with David Pastrnak.
With the Bruins continuing to receive depth scoring throughout their lineup, having their top line back healthy and scoring is going to make Boston a tough team to beat.
3. Noticeable team speed and puck protection
Considering the Bruins’ recent scoring spree throughout their four-game homestand, perhaps there was an overreaction regarding their offensive woes to begin the season.
In hindsight, not having the luxury of a full training camp or preseason may have been just cause for having a sluggish start finding the back of the net. Starting the year without their leading scorer also didn’t help the Bruins.
Nonetheless, the black and gold have found their scoring touch and newfound offensive confidence.
So what are the Bruins doing better now than in the opening week of the season?
Speed and puck protection in all three zones. Ironically enough, offensive success starts in the defensive zone.
When the Bruins break out of their defensive zone, forwards are doing a great job of shielding off backcheckers and opposing defensemen.
Bruins players maintaining puck possession for that extra second enables teammates to gain speed through the neutral zone as a passing option.
Worst case scenario, players can protect the puck against the boards and absorb a hit or dump the puck 200 feet away from their own goal -- even if this doesn’t lead to direct offense it’s better than turning the puck over by rushing an ill-advised pass.
Oftentimes the puck carrier having patience allows teammates to get their feet moving and get open to receive a pass.
Decisively breaking out of their defensive zone, protecting the puck and attacking with speed through the neutral zone backs off opponents and helps the Bruins’ offensive zone entries.
After that, the key is persistent forechecking and capitalizing on scoring chances --- two aspects the Bruins have had recent success doing.
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