The Bruins and Sabres had not played against each other yet in the 2021 season due to COVID cancellations, but Thursday night saw the first match-up of the season. This series is a big opportunity for the Bruins, as Buffalo sits an an abysmal 6-19-4 record. Dead last in the entire league, Buffalo should virtually be free points for Boston.
Early, that proved to be the case. It was Greg McKegg opening the scoring for the Bruins just three minutes into the game. McKegg made his second appearance of the season against Buffalo. Matt Grzelcyk picked up his eighth assist of the season on the goal. The rest of the first played out in an even manner, and the Bruins went into the intermission up 1-0.
Kyle Okposo started off the second period with an equalizer on the penalty kill. The shorthanded goal was hist first of the season. Six minutes, later Jake DeBrusk flicked a quick release that beat Buffalo goalie Carter Hutton. Krejci picked up an assist on the second goal, and the third as well. The third was scored by Craig Smith, who finally found the back of the net after hitting the crossbar twice on the night. The Bruins led 3-1 at the end of the second.
The third was more Bruins domination, a David Pastrnak picked up his first on the game. It was the second power play goal for Boston, and Krejci picked up the assist for the third straight goal. Marchand also added his 22nd assist of the 2021 campaign. Boston was in cruise control almost the entire game, and pick up their second win in a row.
The Bruins will play the second half of the series with a Saturday matinee against Buffalo. The Sabres and Bruins will face off at 1:00. The Bruins now have 36 points, and still sit fourth place in the East division.