Jeremy Swayman Proud Of Bruins’ Response To ‘Unacceptable’ Lighting Play

The Bruins weren’t happy with how their previous meeting with the Lightning went down. That much was evident from the jump Tuesday night.

Boston got some revenge on Tampa Bay with a 6-2 win in the two teams’ second meeting in a week. Not only did the Bruins avenge last week’s loss in Florida, but the Black and Gold also stood up for themselves after a controversial finish in St. Pete.

The B’s put forward Mark Kastelic on injured reserve ahead of Tuesday’s game. He has been out since a 4-1 loss on Thursday to the Lightning. Kastelic got hurt in the final moment when Tampa Bay’s Emil Lilleberg cross-checked him in the face before the two engaged in a quick fight.

After that game, the Bruins called the play “cheap” and given their first real chance to respond, Boston sent a message of its own Tuesday night. The Bruins built an early 2-0 lead on the scoreboard halfway through the first period. That lead ballooned to 4-0 by the middle of the second.

The Bruins didn’t back down from any fights, either, doling out 22 hits — including a green-light special from Brandon Carlo — while also dropping the gloves twice.

That the Bruins were able to do so without crossing any sort of line spoke volumes to goalie Jeremy Swayman.

“It’s important. That was an emotional win. The way they handled the end of the game in Florida was unacceptable,” Swayman told reporters after the game. “Our guys stepped up and we made a statement tonight. That’s a good feeling as a group, coming together and getting a job done the right way, the respectable way. That’s something we can build on as a group and move forward.”

That will be the key for the Bruins. Can they build on the momentum? The Bruins have won two straight — divisional wins over Florida and Tampa Bay — and have a little wind behind them for the first time in a while.

Four of the Bruins’ next six games, starting Saturday in Ottawa, come against teams currently outside of the playoff picture.