The Bruins’ fourth line doesn’t have a nickname yet, but it’s building chemistry and now it has enjoyed at least one eventful night together after the happenings of Boston’s 2-1 overtime win against Pittsburgh on Friday.
First, and most importantly, the line of Wagner, Kuraly and Backes gave the Bruins a solid 10 minutes of ice time a 5-on-5, matching up against every Penguins line and holding its own in each head-to-head as far as possession.
With 3:35 left in the second period, the fourth line even almost scored the go-ahead goal. Or it scored in the eyes of most people, but not in the eyes of the referees on the ice or the video review folks in Toronto.
“When it’s not going in, it’s not going in,” said Backes. “Or when it goes in you don’t get credit for it. But we persevered and played through it. And I thought the reaction and the way we kept playing was encouraging. Obviously it sucks, would’ve liked to have that, but try it again next game.”
Kuraly had the best view of the puck, but his vote didn’t count.
“Yeah, I don’t know what I’m allowed to say and what I’m not, I really don’t,” Kuraly said. “But I saw the puck pass the line. You can’t see it on video, I don’t blame him. He doesn’t see the angle, I can see it pass the line, before I even touched it, so I’m not saying it for me or anything. I hope that doesn’t get me in trouble, I’m just telling you what I saw. I know the camera views weren’t good but that’s what happened.”
After Wagner had his nose busted, he kept playing and even nearly scored the go-ahead goal in the third period with a strong drive to the net.
The Bruins’ lineup has been in flux because of injuries, but it’s becoming apparent coach Bruce Cassidy has a fourth line he can keep together and count on.
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