No Zdeno Chara, no problem.
The Boston Bruins won for the first time since their top defenseman went down with an injury, defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-1 on Sunday at TD Garden in a matinee contest.
The victory snapped a three-game losing streak for the B’s, who scored three goals in the second period to improve to 12-10-0 on the season.
Here’s how this one went down.
ESCAPING (ALMOST) UNHARMED
The Lightning carried play in the first period, outshooting the Bruins 19-9 and getting three power play chances. They had nothing to show for it, though, as the B’s killed all three penalties and benefited from a nice stick save from defenseman Kevan Miller to keep Tampa Bay off the board.
Boston did lose another defenseman, however. John-Michael Liles exited the game just five minutes into the first period after crashing hard into the boards on a shorthanded attempt. He had to be helped off by trainers and did not return.
SCORING UP A STORM
The Bruins turned the tables in the second period, exploding for three goals to break the game open.
Dominic Moore struck first just 2:24 into the frame, chopping a bouncing pass from defenseman Colin Miller past Lightning goaltender Ben Bishop for his sixth goal of the season.
The Bruins doubled their lead on the power play at the 12:24 mark of the period. Defenseman Torey Krug fired a slap shot from the blue line, and forward David Backes put his stick on the puck for a nice redirect goal, his fifth of the season.
Jimmy Hayes even got in on the fun with 2:27 remaining in the second. The Bruins forward went top shelf on the backhand off a perfect pass from David Krejci, ending a 35-game scoring drought dating to Feb. 24 of last season.
ONE MORE FOR GOOD MEASURE
Boston continued its offensive onslaught in the third period. At the 9:43 mark, David Pastrnak ripped a shot from the left circle that appeared to deflect off forward Patrice Bergeron.
Bergeron initially was credited with the goal, but it was changed to Pastrnak’s score, giving the 20-year-old 13 goals on the season.
TUUKKA TIME
Tuukka Rask was excellent all day,making 30 saves on 31 Lightning shots. The Bruins goaltender had his fourth shutout of the campaign in his sights, but Jonathan Drouin scored with 2:39 remaining in the third to put Tampa Bay on the board.
UP NEXT
The B’s will take two days off before hitting the road to play the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday. Puck drop at Wells Fargo Center is set for 7:30 p.m.
Thumbnail photo via Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images
