One Big Takeaway From Linus Ullmark, Senators Besting Bruins In OT

BOSTON — Linus Ullmark got his hug from goalie partner Jeremy Swayman and a strong ovation from Bruins fans.

But the cherry on top was Ullmark coming away with a narrow win in his return to TD Garden as a member of the Ottawa Senators.

Swayman and the Bruins put the heartfelt emotions they have for Ullmark aside but it still wasn’t enough. Brady Tkachuk potted the game-winner 21 seconds into overtime to lift the Senators to a 3-2 win Saturday night.

Boston’s offense was way too inconsistent. The Bruins once again showed their quick-strike potential, scoring two goals 15 seconds apart early in the second period to take the lead. Pavel Zacha beat Ullmark first with a spin-o-rama move as he flipped a backhanded shot into the net. Hampus Lindholm drove hard to the net after the ensuing faceoff and Justin Brazeau helped finish the play by sliding a loose puck to Brad Marchand, who put his shot home.

But that offense might’ve dried up.

The Bruins, to the chagrin of their hometown fans, became too pass-happy in trying to extend their lead. David Pastrnak took a pass from Mark Kastelic on an odd-man rush and turned down an opportunity to blast a shot on Ullmark during an odd-man rush later in the second period. Pastrnak instead tried to give the puck back to Kastelic, but it went right past him.

Boston then had an opportunity to re-take the lead with a power play at the end of the second after the Senators leveled the score. The Bruins had plenty of offensive zone time and appeared to have quality looks, but were shy in pulling the trigger to send pucks toward Ullmark. Boston finished 0-for-2 on the power play.

The Bruins finished with just 16 shots on net — they didn’t register one on goal in the third period — making things easier on Ullmark and allowing him to get back at his former team.