David Pastrnak gets Bruins on the board in Game 1 vs. Hurricanes (Video)
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
David Pastrnak scored the first goal of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs for the Bruins on Wednesday … morning? Afternoon?
It’s a bizarre time for Bruins fans as they watch real playoff hockey, in an arena without fans, at 11 a.m. on a Wednesday. But a perfectly executed play by a line that had yet to earn its nickname in the Toronto bubble makes life seem a little more normal.
Watch above for the Pastrnak goal, which tied Game 1 against the Carolina Hurricanes 1-1. It starts with Patrice Bergeron digging the puck out for a faceoff win. Marchand pounces on the loose puck then makes a slick feed through multiple defenders to Pastrnak on the other side of the crease, where he one-times it past Petr Mrazek no problem.
MORE: 5 Questions For Bruins-Hurricanes
Here’s an even better angle of the Pastrnak goal:
🍝 for brunch?@pastrnak96 says yes.#NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/S0Rt5KYZyZ
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) August 12, 2020
Unfortunately, that was merely the tying goal and not the one that gave them the lead. Joel Edmundson drew first blood for the Hurricanes when he wound up and fired from the high slot and snuck it past Tuukka Rask. Frankly, the goalie needs to stop this one. But weak board play and disorganized defense by the guys in front of him did Rask no favors.
Despite the early deficit and some continued sloppiness at times in the first period, the Bruins at least provided some reason for optimism – finally – that their No. 1 line is figuring things out. The first intermission on Wednesday would have a different feel if the Bruins were dealing with yet another hole to escape.
It’s about time the top line shook off their rust, because we’re not in the “preseason” anymore.
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.
