Bruins Newcomer Offers Blunt Assessment On Struggles After Coming Through Vs. Utah

BOSTON — Elias Lindholm didn’t do a typical goal celebration after registering the only tally in a win for the Boston Bruins over the Utah Hockey Club on Thursday night at TD Garden.

Lindholm looked skyward, fists clenched as he skated toward the end boards and waited for his teammates to join him. It was almost as if everyone could see Lindholm breathe a sigh of relief.

Finding the back of the net was much-needed for the 29-year-old forward. He had been mired in a prolonged scoring drought, having not registered a goal since the third game of the season back on Oct. 12.

“It was huge,” Lindholm said. “It’s been a tough couple games or stretch here for me. Obviously, I haven’t played good enough. Hopefully, that can help a little bit and get some confidence.”

Lindholm was one of Boston’s premier free-agent signings this past offseason when he inked a seven-year, $54.25 million deal to join the Bruins. The versatile centerman was touted by some as Patrice Bergeron lite — Lindholm finished second in Selke voting for the 2021-22 season. But Lindholm failed to come close to that billing early into his tenure with the Bruins. His goal Thursday was just his third of the season to go along with seven assists.

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When the Bruins executed a coaching change earlier this week, it offered a reset for the team, especially Lindholm.

“Obviously, when stuff like this happens, it’s unfortunate. It’s a wake-up call for everyone,” Lindholm said. “We haven’t played good enough and obviously myself. I’m hard on myself. I’m probably the hardest one out there on myself. I know when I play bad, I know when I play good. And obviously, too many bad games for me this year.”

Lindholm’s performance against Utah could signal that he’s heading in the right direction. This could be the start of something, and for the Bruins, too, under interim head coach Joe Sacco.

“It’s always nice to score,” Lindholm said. “Help the team that way, and that’s why I was brought here for and hopefully more will come.”