The Boston Bruins extended their win streak to a season-high five games with a 2-0 road victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday afternoon.
The win moves Boston into a tie with the Washington Capitals for the first wild-card playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Both teams have 82 points, but Boston also has played one fewer game.
The Bruins and Capitals will meet Sunday night in Washington.
Here are three takeaways from Bruins-Penguins.
1. Sidney Crosby Hurt in Warmups
Penguins captain and superstar center Sidney Crosby sustained an injury during the warm-up and was scratched. Fourth-line forward Craig Adams, who originally was a healthy scratch, entered the lineup as a last-minute replacement for Crosby.
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Penguins center Evgeni Malkin got hurt on his first shift when Bruins center Chris Kelly delivered a clean hit along the boards.
Malkin needed a few moments to compose himself but was able to skate off the ice under his own power. The Russian forward returned to the game with about 11 minutes remaining in the first period, but he didn’t play in the final two periods. Malkin missed time earlier in the season with a lower body injury.
2. David Pastrnak, Milan Lucic Extend Point Streaks
The Milan Lucic-Ryan Spooner-David Pastrnak line continued to provide offense with a first-period goal from Lucic. Pastrnak’s initial shot was blocked, but he regained puck possession and fed Lucic at the hash marks. The veteran left winger corralled the puck, quickly fired it toward net and beat Penguins goalie Thomas Greiss.
The goal extended Lucic’s point streak to four games. He has four goals and four assists in his last eight games. Pastrnak also extended his point streak to four games with the primary assist. The 18-year-old rookie has tallied three goals with five assists in his last eight games.
3. Tuukka Rask Stays Red-Hot
Rask has been one of the NHL’s best goaltenders in March. He continued his fine form with a 30-save shutout (the 26th of his Bruins career) against a highly skilled Penguins team. Rask also helped Boston go a perfect 3-for-3 on the penalty kill.
The reigning Vezina Trophy winner is 4-0-1 with a .943 save percentage and a 1.91 goals against average this month.
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Thumbnail photo via Marc DesRosiers/USA TODAY Sports Images
