The Bruins traveled to Philadelphia looking to avenge Monday’s overtime loss to the Flyers, and they did just that.
Patrice Bergeron scored a hat trick, earning career points 900, 901 and 902 in the process; Brad Marchand had a four-point night, including the game-winning goal; and Jeremy Swayman’s 40-save performance earned him the win in his NHL debut.
While the Bruins were without the services of No. 1 defenseman Charlie McAvoy, Kevan Miller made his return and didn’t miss a beat, playing rock-solid during his 22:25 of ice time. The Bruins are now 11-3-1 when Miller is in the lineup.
It was one of the ugliest wins of the year for the black and gold but, nonetheless, they were able to grab three of four possible points in their back-to-back with the Flyers.
Here are three key takeaways from the Bruins' 4-2 win.
1. Bergeron reaches, surpasses 900-point mark with hat trick
Known around the league as an elite defensive forward, Bergeron showed how equally good he is offensively by scoring a hat trick Tuesday against the Flyers and collecting career points 900, 901 and 902 in the process, becoming the fourth member of the Bruins' 900-point club.
Bergeron opened the scoring just over seven minutes into the game when he collected a rebound off a Marchand shot from the point and wrapped it around Carter Hart for the 1-0 lead.
The captain added his second goal of the game on the power play when, in the final minutes of the first period, David Pastrnak slid a back diagonal pass to Bergeron in the slot and he beat Hart five-hole.
Bergeron eventually iced the game with an empty-netter for the hat trick, assisted of course by Marchand.
Stanley Cup champion, two-time Olympic gold-medalist, four-time Selke Trophy winner, and now just 98 points away from joining the 1,000-point club — Bergeron just keeps on adding to his Hall of Fame resume.
2. Embarrassing second period
After a strong first period on the road, the Bruins seemed content with having a 2-0 lead, and as a result, saw it disappear all together just four minutes into the second period.
Travis Konecny took advantage of a defensive-zone turnover by Jakub Zboril and slid a nifty backdoor pass over to Jakub Voracek, who cut the Bruins’ lead in half.
Shortly thereafter, the Flyers continued to hem the Bruins in their defensive zone, eventually leading to the game-tying goal off the stick of Shayne Gostisbehere.
Boston was out-hustled and soft on the puck all period long, and would have been trailing on the scoreboard if not for the strong play of their goaltender.
Jeremy Swayman — making his NHL debut — was called upon to make 36 saves through the first two periods, including 23 in the second period alone.
While the Bruins eventually tightened up, their compete level was non-existent in the second period and should serve as footage for the Bruins’ coaching staff to use when reminding the team how not to perform.
3. Marchand’s 29th career shorthanded goal proves to be game-winner
It may have been an up and down affair for the Bruins in Tuesday’s win over the Flyers, but it was just another day at the office for Marchand.
With a goal and three assists, Marchand factored in on every Boston goal, including a shorthanded goal — the 29th of his career — in the third period that ended up being the game-winner.
While on the penalty kill, Jeremy Lauzon bounced on a loose puck in the defensive slot and skated up ice on a two-on-one with Marchand. Lauzon connected with Marchand, who slid a quick backhand-to-forehand deke through Hart’s five-hole.
Marchand now has 18 goals and 27 assists for 45 points in 34 games this season and continues to be the Bruins’ offensive backbone.
Since returning to the lineup after missing a couple games in COVID protocol, Marchand has been an emotional leader on the ice as well, getting involved physically with opponents between and after whistles.
Marchand’s younger teammates would be wise to emulate him rather than simply watching him.