Looking to build on their latest win over the Penguins, the Bruins traveled to Buffalo for the first of eight meetings against the last place Sabres.
It wasn't the prettiest game by the black and gold but they took care of business against a team they have no business losing to.
Perhaps the most encouraging note was the combined five points between David Krejci, Craig Smith and Jake DeBrusk as the Bruins' search for secondary scoring continues.
Here are three key takeaways from the Bruins' 4-1 win over the Sabres.
1. David Krejci joins 700-point club
Since his first full season in the NHL in 2007-08, David Krejci has been one of the most underrated athletes in Boston.
He's twice led the playoffs in scoring in 2011 and 2013 — and has scored 50-plus points in the regular season eight times.
After his three-assist performance on Thursday night, Krejci ranks eighth on the Bruins' all-time scoring list with 702 career points — Krejci's 700th point was a second period assist on Jake DeBrusk's power play goal.
The milestone is nothing short of impressive, and being a top-10 scorer for the NHL's oldest American franchise speaks to how consistent Krejci has been throughout his career.
As for this season, Krejci will look to build off his three-point performance as his team is in desperate need of consistent offense.
2. Trent Frederic leaves game with an injury
It's been a year of ups and downs for the Bruins, but one of the consistent bright spots has been the play of rookie Trent Frederic.
Not only has Frederic been an emotional leader and physical presence, but just last game he stepped up with a game-winning third period goal in a massive win over the Pittsburgh Penguins.
After just 5:28 of ice time, it took the team's Twitter account until the end of the second period and the NESN television broadcast until the final minute of the game to mention Frederic's absence and that he wouldn't return to the game.
The injury was labeled lower body, and coach Bruce Cassidy said after the game that it happened on a blocked shot. Cassidy said X-rays were negative and called Frederic "day-to-day" for now.
Any long-term injury would be a tough pill to swallow for the Bruins as no one else in the lineup offers Frederic's energy and agitating qualities — this speaks to the impact and impression Frederic has already made in his rookie year.
3. Jack Ahcan impresses in NHL debut
An undrafted, undersized, offensive defenseman and former collegiate captain signed by the Boston Bruins. Sound familiar? It should.
Back in 2012, the Bruins signed Torey Krug out of Michigan State. Last year, they signed Jack Ahcan out of St. Cloud State.
In 144 collegiate games, Ahcan (5'8", 185 lbs.) tallied 21 goals, 82 assists and 103 points.
There's more than just offense to Ahcan's game, however, and the former Hobey Baker nominee offers more defensive upside than Torey Krug did signing out of Michigan State.
Thursday night in Buffalo, Ahcan made his NHL debut and showed himself extremely well at both ends of the ice.
In 17:55 of ice time, Ahcan was second among Bruins defensemen in shots on goal (3), and led the entire team with two blocked shots.
Cassidy also showed faith in Ahcan by giving him time on both special team units.
Ahcan is a very strong and smooth skater with clear offensive ability — but what may have gone rather unnoticed by the casual viewer was his defensive hockey IQ.
Ahcan's stick and body position was highly effective in blocking shots, passes and taking away offensive options for the opposition.
It was only one game, and against one of the weaker teams in the league, and while he did make a few mistakes, Ahcan still showed skill and poise in his NHL-debut.
