NYR:

0

BUF:

0

07:00 ET

DET:

0

WPG:

0

08:00 ET

CGY:

0

VAN:

0

10:00 ET

DAL:

0

ARI:

0

10:30 ET

Boston’s Depth To Thank For Victory Over Toronto

Photo: NBC Sports

While David Pastrnak and Linus Ullmark fielded questions from the myriad of media outlets yesterday at the NHL’s 2023 All-Star game festivities, backdropped by a picturesque South Florida sandy beach. New Englanders were gearing up for what is set to be a historically frigid weekend. Wind chills will make the outside air dip down into double-digit negatives. Perhaps encouraged by the collective sigh of relief from Boston Bruins fans after their ‘lengthy’ three-game losing skid was snapped Wednesday night against heated divisional rival the Toronto Maple Leafs in their building by a final score of 5-2.

Jokes aside, this Bruins squad has become accustomed to lengthy streaks. But losing streaks, while not welcomed, are inevitable. So despite their consistent success, it was encouraging to see Boston take full advantage of the opportunity to get back into the win column. Especially against Toronto, who statistically ranks 3rd in the NHL in points.

You’d be forgiven in assuming Boston’s five goals were fueled by their more dynamic offensive threats. But that is what makes this victory all the more impressive. Largely, the game was won with contributions from unlikely sources. 

Not known for his offense, Derek Forbort has made a name for himself in Boston by morphing into the team’s most important pillar during the penalty kill. So when Trent Frederic blocked a Mitch Marner power-play shot into the Maple Leafs’ defensive zone, Forbort acknowledged the opportunity to join the rush. Following some gorgeous board work by Frederic to win a 50/50 battle against Marner and a beautiful backhand pass into space from Coyle, Forbort took to offering and deposited his second short-handed goal of the season. The momentum-altering goal was Forbort’s fourth of the year, tying his career high. 

Roughly six minutes following the Forbort’s icebreaker, and back in Toronto’s zone. Boston, by virtue of slick puck management, once again from Coyle’s line, caught the hockey universe off guard when stay-at-home-defenseman Brandon Carlo broke the 1-1 tie with a “beanbag toss” goal, his second of the year.

Picking up where Boston left off in the second period, Jakub Lauko warded off Timothy Liljegren and intercepted a Pierre Engvall pass, allowing AJ Greer to gain possession and exit his own zone with speed. Lauko quickly transitioned and joined the rush through the neutral zone allowing Greer the space to fire a missile past the glove of Leaf netminder Ilya Samsonov. Minutes into the 3rd period, Boston found themselves up 3-1 off the back of hard work from their bottom six forwards. 

It is worth mentioning Pavel Zacha scored back-to-back goals to make the score 5-2 in favor of Boston. The last of which were assisted by David Krejci and David Pastrnak. 

Historically speaking, teams who find themselves hoisting the Stanley Cup in mid-June attribute success equally across four forward lines and three defensive pairings. Interestingly enough, the phrase “no passengers” was used by analysts to describe the intensity level of both teams following last year’s Stanley Cup Final between the Colorado Avalanche and the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Effort levels like that of Wednesday night in Toronto from Boston are the exact formula for a deep playoff run. But let’s not put the cart before the horse. 

Here Come the Playoffs Cue’ the Duck Boats Pod

Kevin is back from vacation and dives right back into hockey with the boys as the Bruins wagon keeps rolling. They touch on the playoff race as the top teams in the east are all locked up while the West is still a free for all.DraftKings Sportsbook – Boston’s hometown Sportsbook IS LIVE right here in Massachusetts! Bet local on all your favorite sports from the comfort of your own home with DraftKings. To celebrate, ALL new customers will receive up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS bets when you sign up for DraftKings Sportsbook using code insidetherink! Soon you’ll be able to bet local on money lines, spreads, props, and more with one of America’s top-rated Sportsbooks – DraftKings Sportsbook!  Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app and sign up with code ITR to get up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS bets to use mobile sports betting in Massachusetts. That’s code insidetherink only at DraftKings Sportsbook.  If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, call (800) 327-5050 or visit (https://helplinema.org/) to speak with a trained specialist free and confidentially twenty four seven. 21+. Physically present in MA. Eligibility restrictions apply. Subject to regulatory licensing requirements. Eligibility and deposit restrictions apply. Opt in required. Bonus issued as free bets. Terms at draftkings.com/ma.
  1. Here Come the Playoffs
  2. Home Stretch
  3. Kevy Cooks
  4. Trade Deadline Eve
  5. Donny Deals Strikes Again

2 thoughts on “Boston’s Depth To Thank For Victory Over Toronto

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

In Memory of My Dad

March 31 is a very bittersweet day for me. On the one hand, it is my birthday. I was born on March 31, 1983, which means that I am now 40 years old. On the other hand, March 31 also happens to be when my father died. On March 31, 2020, my dad died from […]

Read More

Player Profile: Tomas Nosek

Tomas Nosek was born on September 1, 1992, in Pardubice, Czech Republic. Before turning professional, Nosek recorded 53 goals and 72 assists in 109 games on the U-20 level for HC Pardubice and 27 goals, and 36 assists in 67 games at the U-18 circuit. Nosek appeared in 129 games in the Czech Republic’s top […]

Read More

Red Wings Recall Marco Kasper From the SHL

When William Wallinder signed his three-year, entry-level contract that would begin during the 2023-24 season and an amateur tryout agreement with the Grand Rapids Griffins for the rest of the season, many fans wondered if his Rogle teammate and top prospect Marco Kasper would also be heading stateside. Following their elimination, Rogle announced that Marco […]

Read More