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Boston Bruins

Bruins can’t hold off Devils rally, fall in overtime 2-1

By Matt Dolloff
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 13: Curtis Lazar #42 of the New Jersey Devils reacts as he comes off the ice during the second period against the Boston Bruins at Prudential Center on December 13, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

The Boston Bruins couldn’t hold on to a one-goal lead in New Jersey, surrendering the game-tying goal in the third period, then losing in the 3-on-3 overtime period to the Devils, 2-1, on Wednesday night at Prudential Center.

Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman saved 34 of 36 Devils shots in an excellent overall effort, but couldn’t quite stop the game-winner by Jack Hughes in extra time. Swayman made big saves on the penalty kill, as the Bruins went 2-for-2 in that department to cling to their lead. Morgan Geekie scored the lone goal for Boston.

With the OT loss, the Bruins are now 18-5-4 on the season. They still hold the top spot in the Atlantic Division.

Bruins-Devils Highlights

The Bruins and Devils played most of the first period to a scoreless stalemate, before Boston’s fill-in No. 1 center brought a serious spark. Morgan Geekie got the Bruins on the board first, capping an outstanding shift with his third goal of the season.

Geekie showed great awareness and physicality on the shift, and ultimately powered his way to inside position on the Devils net, where he finished a rebound off a shot by James van Riemsdyk to put the Bruins up 1-0.

  • The Devils started to gain more traction in the second period, out-shooting the Bruins 11-7 in the middle 20. But the score stayed the same, as they headed to the second intermission with the B’s still clinging to a 1-0 advantage.

    Boston successfully killed their second penalty of the game in the period, highlighted by a big save from Swayman, who stopped all 11 shots his way.

  • Early in the third period, the Devils finally found the back of the net.

    The play started with former Bruin Erik Haula, who gained position at the net-front and took advantage of a fortuitous bounce and got a point-blank shot off. The puck fluttered in front of the net on the deflection, as Devils forward Dawson Mercer batted it out of the air and in to tie the game 1-1.

  • For the overtime winner, Devils star Jack Hughes took a cross-ice pass then fired a quick release to beat Swayman with a bit of a change-up, securing the extra point and a comeback win for his team.

    Up Next: The Bruins have a tough back-to-back coming up, starting with a road game against the New York Islanders on Friday night, then a home date with the New York Rangers on Saturday.

    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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