BOSTON — The Bruins didn’t have much to celebrate Saturday, but Georgii Merkulov did.

He recorded his first NHL point.

The B’s ended up fumbling away what could have been a celebratory day, but the 24-year-old at least got his moment in the sun with a slick feed to Trent Frederic midway through the first period. It’s not like he was done there, either, as Frederic scored another goal on their very next shift to help the rookie forward finish as a plus-two on the afternoon.

“I was trying to make plays for Charlie (Coyle) and (Frederic),” Merkulov said following the loss. “I wanted to help them out, and they were helping me out, so I was trying to make more plays with them on the rush and in the offensive zone. It feels good, but a win would have been nice, too. We’ll get there.”

Merkulov’s first McIntosh can be found here.

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Boston likely won’t have to roll with the youngster much longer, as Tyler Johnson looks as though he’ll be ready to rejoin the team Sunday. It’s a nice moment for Merkulov, though, who perhaps finally got his feet wet after an unsuccessful stint with the big club in 2023-24.

“I’m trying to be more confident with the puck, trying to make plays and support my linemates and teammates,” Merkulov said. “I came in telling myself I had to be more confident.”

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Featured image via Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images