The Bruins and Flyers battled it out in the cold of Lake Tahoe last night, ultimately with the Bruins emerging victorious. From the second period and on the Bruins dominated with 7 goals, thanks to Pastrnak’s second hat-trick against the Flyers this season.
Here are 3 key takeaways from the Bruins victory:
1. Younger players making an impact
With Matt Grzelcyk, Kevan Miller, David Krejci, and Ondrej Kase not traveling with the team to Lake Tahoe, the Bruins turned to their young forwards and defenders to step up their game. Urho Vaakanainen made his season debut and played alongside Brandon Carlo. Jack Studnicka also slotted into the lineup filling in for David Krejci.
Both players played a terrific game, showing promising signs that they are capable of playing at the NHL level. Urho tallied his first career point, and Studnicka tallied a point as well. Additionally, Trent Frederic scored his first career goal. It’s only a matter of time before the young bucks find their niche.
2. Adaptability is no problem for the Bruins
The Bruins were without 4 of their main players coming into Tahoe. As well as 5 after the first period with Jeremy Lauzon failing to return due to an upper-body injury. However, this didn’t stop the Bruins from playing Bruins Hockey.
They were physical, defended well, and had smooth transitions through the neutral zone. Their ability to adapt to the game is a crucial factor as to why they have been so successful this season. With the Bruins main core on their way to recovery, this team has a real shot of making it to the end. The Flyers may have been short handed as well last night. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that the Bruins adapted well.
3. Bruins veterans leading the pack
Going into this game there were numerous players who hadn’t played in an outdoor setting as of yet, while veteran players like Bergeron were entering their 4th outdoor game. It was up to these guys to continue what they had been doing all season: Leading the pack.
Marchand, Bergeron, and Pastrnak provided a great boost in morale for the young guys not even a minute into the game, providing a boost in confidence in their ability to play. That’s exactly what happened, with Frederic knocking in his first career goal, Vaakanainen tallying his first career point, and Studnicka assisting Pastrnak for his third goal.
The veterans communicate on and off the ice constantly with these young forwards and defenders, helping them develop their game to the best of its ability. It’s going to take a full team effort however to reach continue finding success along the way.
The Bruins take on the New York Islanders on Thursday at 7PM, hoping to avoid a third loss to this team.