Bruins Lose In OT, But Clinch Playoff Berth
The Boston Bruins needed one point to punch their ticket to the Stanley Cup playoffs and that is exactly what they got in a 2-1 overtime loss at the St. Louis Blues Wednesday.
Tonight started with a pregame surprise and yet another key player being held out.� Defenseman Torey Krug was a late scratch due to an upper-body injury, which meant the Bruins top three blue liners were all out of action with their backup goaltender between the pipes.
However, the got a lucky break to score the game's first goal, while on the power play, just past the halfway mark of the opening period.� Alex Pietrangelo tried to pass the puck behind his own net but the puck hit referee Brad Watson and went right out to the slot where Ryan Donato quickly beat Jake Allen to the short side.� David Pastrnak was credited with the lone assist on Donato's second career goal.
The Blues had their way with the Bruins on the physical side during the second period, including this big hit to the head of David Krejci from Brayden Schenn.
Schenn only received a two-minute minor for charging.� Thankfully, Krecji popped right back up and remained in the game. We all know that the Bruins cannot afford another injury.
Jaden Schwartz took over the game during the final 10:09 of the game to earn two huge points as the Blues fight for their playoff lives.� He tied the game at 9:39 of the third period as the Bruins got caught in a slow line change and Alex Steen dropped the pass back to Schwartz who fired a bullet to the short side.
Just 30 seconds into overtime, Schwartz used his speed to enter the zone and get Matt Grzelcyk to back off and then he used him as a screen to beat Anton Khudobin to the stick side.
While it is disappointing to lead much of the game and lose in overtime, considering the lineup Bruce Cassidy had to dress tonight you cannot complain.� Then you see that the Bruins point not only got them into the playoffs, but also officially eliminated the Montreal Canadiens from them, there is no reason to be upset!
Bruins are back in action on Thursday night against another desperate team in the Dallas Stars.�
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