By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand sensed an opportunity against a careless Red Wings team. And they capitalized in the best way possible – and the most embarrassing way possible for the Wings and defenseman Mike Green.
The play wasn’t entirely Green’s fault. The only reason Patrice Bergeron had a chance to score a shorthanded goal in the first place was because the Red Wings changed out four players simultaneously during a second-period power play. This left Green to fend for himself against both Marchand and Bergeron.
Marchand undressed Green with a check and a steal along the half-boards. And then Marchand found a streaking Bergeron toward the net, where he dangled and slipped a backhand by Wings goalie Jonathan Bernier. Bergeron’s 25th goal of the season gave the B’s a 2-1 lead in the second period.
Not a good look by Green to just let Marchand knock him right off the puck and then just float as Bergeron powered to the net. But it’s arguably a worse look for his teammates who hung him out to dry with the Bruins’ two most dangerous penalty killers on the ice.
Shocker, Bergeron and Marchand won the matchup over Green.
The Bruins later extended their lead to 3-1 after Charlie Coyle tipped home a shot by Charlie McAvoy. They took that to the locker room at the second intermission at TD Garden.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.