Boston Bruins

Boston Bruins

Boston Bruins

ELMONT, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 15: Kyle Palmieri #21 of the New York Islanders misses a third period chance against Linus Ullmark #35 of the Boston Bruins at UBS Arena on December 15, 2023 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

To pull off a win like the Boston Bruins did over the New York Islanders Friday night, you need big-time moments from big-time players.

They certainly got that in a 5-4 shootout win in which they never had the lead in regulation. They needed great goaltending early on, and got it. As the game opened up, their most important offensive players came alive, and ended up delivering the win.

It’s certainly not a sustainable way to win a game, but the Bruins came up with the steal thanks to key players making crucial plays at the best possible times. Here are the three stars from the Bruins’ win over the Isles…

No. 3 Star: James van Riemsdyk

ELMONT, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 15: James van Riemsdyk #21 of the Boston Bruins (R) celebrates his third period goal against the New York Islanders and is joined by Morgan Geekie #39 at UBS Arena on December 15, 2023 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

ELMONT, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 15: James van Riemsdyk #21 of the Boston Bruins (R) celebrates his third period goal against the New York Islanders and is joined by Morgan Geekie #39 at UBS Arena on December 15, 2023 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

James van Riemsdyk has tended to score in bunches for the Bruins. After a big night against the Islanders, he’s suddenly up to three points in his last two games. As the majority of scorers did in the game, van Riemsdyk got his on the power play.

It’s promising for the Bruins to see van Riemsdyk produce at the net-front on the man advantage. He also assisted on Morgan Geekie’s power play goal in the second period. “JVR” has stepped up lately for the Bruins’ forward group with Pavel Zacha sidelined.

  • No. 2 Star: David Pastrnak

    ELMONT, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 15: David Pastrnak #88 of the Boston Bruins celebrates his powerplay goal against the New York Islanders at 17:26 of the second period at UBS Arena on December 15, 2023 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

    ELMONT, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 15: David Pastrnak #88 of the Boston Bruins celebrates his powerplay goal against the New York Islanders at 17:26 of the second period at UBS Arena on December 15, 2023 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

    Pastrnak sniped a game-tying goal late in the second period, but the real highlight was his shootout goal to seal the win. The superstar winger has had repeated success with deception this season, and he showed that off again in the shootout, when he pulled the puck behind his hip then fired from a tough angle for Isles goaltender Ilya Sorokin.

    Entering Saturday, Pastrnak is tied for fourth in the NHL after scoring his 17th goal against the Islanders. He picked great times to take over offensively in this game.

  • No. 1 Star: Linus Ullmark

    Dec 15, 2023; Elmont, New York, USA; Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark (35) makes a save against New York Islanders center Mathew Barzal (13) during overtime at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

    Dec 15, 2023; Elmont, New York, USA; Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark (35) makes a save against New York Islanders center Mathew Barzal (13) during overtime at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

    Four goals allowed on 37 shots doesn’t look great on paper, but Ullmark did his part in the win with a 15-save first period. He kept the Bruins breathing in a game that very easily could’ve gotten out of hand for them early.

    Ullmark stopped 25 of 27 even-strength shots in a power play-happy game. Hot starts are nothing new for Ullmark, but he had perfect timing to come up with his performance Friday night.

  • Honorable Mentions…

    ELMONT, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 15: Morgan Geekie #39 of the Boston Bruins faces off against Brock Nelson #29 of the New York Islanders during the first period at UBS Arena on December 15, 2023 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

    ELMONT, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 15: Morgan Geekie #39 of the Boston Bruins faces off against Brock Nelson #29 of the New York Islanders during the first period at UBS Arena on December 15, 2023 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

    Morgan Geekie has four points in his last three games, another forward really stepping up amid the injuries…Brad Marchand assisted on Geekie’s goal and nearly had one of his own, which was called back on review…Kevin Shattenkirk had a turnover that led directly to an Islanders goal, but he also made some spectacular passes on offense, most notably his assist on Pastrnak’s game-tying goal.

    Get complete Boston Bruins coverage at 985TheSportsHub.com.

    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. Check out all of Matt’s content.

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