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Early third period power play goals closing out games for Bruins

November 22, 2019, 2:15 PM ET [1 Comments]
Anthony Travalgia
Boston Bruins Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
After struggling to close out a pair of third period leads last week, the Bruins focus shifted to being better in the third period. Tuesday in New Jersey and Thursday at home against the Sabres, better in the third period they were.

What was the difference in wins against the Devils and Sabres? Early third period power play goals by David Pastrnak.

In both contests, the Bruins held 2-1 leads entering the third. And in both of those contests, power play strikes by Pastrnak within the first three and a half minutes of the third period extended the Bruins lead to two, providing the team with some much needed breathing room.

The Bruins would go to win each game 5-1 and 3-2 respectively.

"Our goal going into the third is being able to close tight games and we want to have the best period when it’s a tight game like that. Obviously it helps when you get an early power play and especially a goal,” Pastrnak said.

“But it’s not going to be like that for all the games. What we want to do is create momentum and go from there. As I said, we got a big one today and then we was able to close it, so good for us.”

Pastrnak’s strike 1:56 into the third period ended up as the game winner after Brandon Montour cut the Bruins lead to one later in the period.

The goal was Pastrnak’s league leading 11th power play goal. Pastrnak alone has more power play goals than eight teams have in total. The Detroit Red Wings and Winnipeg Jets have each scored 11 power play goals as a team, matching Pastrnak's total.

“I think our power play—that unit has been great all year,” said Danton Heinen who picked up an assist on Pastrnak’s power play goal. “Pasta does what he does, he scores big goals. He’s pretty lethal there on the power play, so that’s been big.”

With the top power play percentage in the Eastern Conference, obviously scoring on the man advantage is no issue for the Bruins. But with their power play goals becoming more timely, especially in the third period, the Bruins have been able to get back to a strength of theirs: closing out games.

The Bruins top power play unit has looked a bit differently of late. With Jake DeBrusk and Torey Krug out of action for several games, and Patrice Bergeron missing a pair of contests, different players have been given looks on the top unit.

None have looked more impressive in their temporary role than Matt Grzelcyk has. After picking up a pair of five-on-five goals in New Jersey Tuesday, Grzelcyk carried some positive momentum into Thursday’s contest with the Sabres.

Grzelcyk was noticeably more confident with and without the puck Thursday, especially on the power play. Using his instinct and a crazy play to keep a puck in the o-zone, Grzelcyk’s play eventually led to Brad Marchand’s second period power play goal.

“Well, I think the [New] Jersey game rolled over into that. I think he’s a little more comfortable where he knows the plays that are there that what we’re trying to run,” said head coach Bruce Cassidy. “As long as he doesn’t overdo it — I think that’s a group that functions as a group of five for the most part.”



“He’s been great, we all know we skates so well. He’s patient with the puck and you saw last game his shot,” added Heinen. “He’s playing well for us right now; it’s been fun to watch.”

The Bruins hope to have another third period lead to close out Saturday night when they host the struggling Minnesota Wild.
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