Pastrnak Shines with 3 Points, Bruins Defeat Capitals in Sturm’s Debut
In an exciting opening match of the NHL season, the Boston Bruins bested the Washington Capitals with a final score of 3-1. David Pastrnak was a standout performer, contributing three points to the team’s success on the ice.
Pastrnak Shines in Season Opener
Pastrnak set the stage early, assisting Hampus Lindholm’s goal just 38 seconds into the power play at the 7:41 mark, bringing the score to 2-1. This goal came after a swift offensive rush. As the game progressed, Jeremy Swayman made crucial saves that kept the Capitals at bay, especially as they pulled their goalie for an extra skater.
Key Moments of the Match
- Bruins’ Scoring: Lindholm scored off a Pastrnak pass.
- Final Goal: Morgan Geekie sealed the victory by scoring into an empty net at 19:02.
Washington Capitals’ captain Alex Ovechkin expressed disappointment despite his team’s chances. “We have a lot of chances, but obviously we didn’t score on our power plays,” he noted. The Capitals struggled on the power play, finishing 0-for-5, while the Bruins managed to convert 1-for-2.
Defensive Performance
Swayman highlighted the Bruins’ strong penalty kill. “We did a great job just sticking to our routes, making great reads, and blocking shots,” he said. This discipline is vital for the Bruins as they progress through the season.
Historical Context and Team Notes
The Bruins have an impressive record, winning 11 of their past 14 season openers. In addition, Pastrnak’s performance was notable as he recorded nine goals and eight assists in season-opening games, giving him a total of 17 points. This statistic places him third all-time in Bruins history for season-opening points.
- Top Point Scorers in Bruins’ History:
- Ray Bourque – 30 points
- Johnny Bucyk – 17 points
- David Krejci – 14 points
The Capitals faced a further emotional challenge as they honored forward Nic Dowd by wearing “26 POPS” stickers on their helmets. This gesture paid tribute to Dowd’s father, Alan, who recently passed away.
As the NHL season unfolds, both teams will be looking to build on this initial performance. Bruins’ fans will hope that Pastrnak continues to shine in the games to come.
