Taylor Hall had two goals in 37 games for the Sabres this season, but it took just two games to get his first as a Bruin.
With the Bruins clinging to a 2-1 lead over the Islanders early in the third period, Hall took a pass from David Pastrnak, raced into the offensive zone, fended off a closing Adam Pelech, and beat Semyon Varlamov five-hole.
It was a good display of his speed and puck protection, and most importantly featured some finishing that has obviously been missing from his game this season.
After the Bruins had been outscored by the Islanders 10-1 in the third period of the two teams' prior five meetings this season (all Islanders wins), Hall's goal helped spark a much better third period this time around, with Brad Marchand later adding an empty-netter to seal a 4-1 win.
"You always want to contribute," Hall said after the game. "As an offensive guy, you don't come into every game hoping to score a goal, but you want to make plays, you want to create chances, and I thought tonight our line did that. So, it was nice to see one go in."
Fellow deadline acquisition Mike Reilly also recorded his first point as a Bruin Thursday night, assisting on Marchand's goal that opened the scoring in the first with a shot from the point that deflected off both Patrice Bergeron and Marchand on its way in.
