Jake DeBrusk’s Massive Game 7 Performance Fueled By Dad’s Pregame Text

BOSTON — Jake DeBrusk was just following his father’s advice.

The Bruins’ rookie winger had a massive Game 7 on Wednesday night to close out Boston’s first-round Stanley Cup playoff series victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

DeBrusk scored two goals, including the eventual game-winner, in the B’s 7-4 victory at TD Garden. Those goals were DeBrusk’s fourth and fifth of the series, and his huge performance in the winner-take-all affair was propelled by a text message his father, former NHL winger Louie DeBrusk, sent him prior to puck drop.

Justin Williams, a former Los Angeles Kings winger now on the Carolina Hurricanes, has earned the nickname “Mr. Game 7” by tallying an NHL-record 14 points in Game 7s, including seven goals, which also have him tied with Glenn Anderson for the most in Game 7 playoff history. Williams’ teams are 7-1 in the eight Game 7s he has played in.

DeBrusk followed his dad’s advice Wednesday night, and if he continues to deliver when the chips are on the table then hockey might have a new “Mr. Game 7.”