BOSTON — The Bruins extended their win streak to four games with a 3-2 shootout victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night at TD Garden.
Boston had lost its previous seven shootouts, but Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand both scored in the skills competition to secure two important points in the playoff race.
The Bruins return to action Saturday afternoon against the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first game of a back-to-back set that concludes Sunday versus the Washington Capitals. Both matchups are on the road.
Here are three takeaways from Bruins-Lightning:
1. Ryan Spooner Extends Point Streak To Seven Games
Bruins center Ryan Spooner tallied a primary assist on David Pastrnak’s first-period goal to extend his point streak to a career-best seven games. Spooner has posted eight points (three goals, five assists) during the streak. His point streak is the longest by a Bruins rookie since Brad Boyes in 2006 and ties the longest in the NHL this season.
Pastrnak’s goal was reviewed, but the NHL Situation Room determined that there was “no distinct kicking motion.” The 18-year-old right winger now has nine goals since Jan. 9, which is the second-most on the Bruins in that span behind Brad Marchand’s 11 tallies.
2. Steven Stamkos Continues Goal-Scoring Dominance Vs. Bruins
Lightning captain and superstar center Steven Stamkos scored at 15:29 of the first period to tie the score 1-1. Stamkos intercepted a pass from Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara, evaded a diving Dougie Hamilton and beat Tuukka Rask glove side with a powerful wrist shot.
It was Stamkos’ 15th goal in 25 career games against the Bruins. He scored twice at TD Garden when these teams last met on Jan. 13. His 37 goals this season rank third among all players.
Stamkos was unavailable for the shootout because he received a 10-minute misconduct for throwing his stick into the stands during the overtime period.
3. Bruins Unable To Cash In On Power Play
The Bruins didn’t score on any of their four power play opportunities after going 5-for-12 with the man advantage in the last three games. Boston averaged 1.5 shots per power-play chance. The encouraging part for the Bruins is they have drawn at least three penalties in six straight games for a total of 20 power plays in that span.
Thumbnail photo via Greg M. Cooper/USA TODAY Sports Images
