Pastrnak scores only goal in shootout as Bruins grab road win over Blue Jackets
David Pastrnak deked just enough to flip the puck past Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins for the game-winner in a shootout on Saturday night in Columbus, as the Bruins scored a 5-4 win in a back-and-forth affair with three lead changes.
The Blue Jackets earned their point in the standings when Jakub Voracek scored with less than three seconds left in regulation. Both teams grabbed a shot on goal in overtime. Pastrnak’s shootout goal was the only score in six rounds, with Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman saving all three attempts.
Swayman wasn’t at his sharpest, allowing four goals on just 24 shots, but he’s now 7-0-1 in his last eight starts.
Jake DeBrusk returned to his recent productive streak after two games without a point when he opened the scoring in the first period. Brad Marchand, who grabbed his first of two assists, sparked the play with impressive puck protection and a powerful shot from the high slot. DeBrusk is up to eight goals and 10 points in his last eight games.
The Blue Jackets, however, got goals from Gustav Nyquist and Vladislav Gavrikov to take a 2-1 lead into the second period. Erik Haula lit the lamp just 1:51 into the middle frame, but Columbus defenseman Zach Werenski scored on the power play later in the period to make it 3-2 Blue Jackets.
Boston then made its second comeback of the game in the third period, starting with Craig Smith’s tying goal off a nifty centering feed from Connor Clifton. The perfectly timed pass set up Smith with plenty of open net to hit. Patrice Bergeron later put the Bruins ahead 4-3 off a rebound during a Bruins power play, which set the stage for Columbus’ late tie.
The Bruins are now 7-1 in their last eight games, going 5-1 on their extended road trip. They’ll finally return home on Monday night when they take on the Los Angeles Kings at TD Garden.
Highlights: Bruins 5, Blue Jackets 4
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Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster 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? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @mattydsays. You can also email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.
