The Boston Bruins picked up their fourth straight road win with their 2-0 win over the Predators.
The first goal was scored by Jake DeBrusk on the power play, 14:38 in the first period. DeBrusk had recently requested a trade since he had been scratched by Bruce Casisdy on Nov. 28 against the Canucks. Since Joe Sacco has been coaching in Cassidy’s absence, DeBrusk hasn’t been scratched and scored his first goal in seven games. The goal was also DeBrusk’s first on the power play since March 18 of last season.
Right out of the gates into the second period, the Bruins added to their lead. Brandon Carlo scored on a slap shot from the point and expanded the Bruin lead to 2-0. The rest of the game, Nashville outshot Boston 30-17.
Despite being outshot for just the third time this season, the Bruins still managed to pull away with the win. The Bruins average the most shots on goal in the NHL this season, getting over 36 and a half per game. However, they’re the middle of the pack when it comes to goals per game, ranking 16th in the league. This game was a big refresher for the offense since they didn’t have to completely overpower Nashville offensively to get the win.
The defensive performance for the Bruins was arguably the most impressive of the season. Charlie McAvoy blocked a team-high five shots in the victory. The team combined for 20 blocked shots and they made the job easier for Jeremy Swayman.
Swayman earned his first shutout of the season and third of his young career in Nashville. He saved a career-high 42 shots and earned the first star of the game for his performance. Swayman seems to be finding his groove in net as he currently sits at a .921 save percentage, 2.20 GAA and 7-4-0 record.
So far, the Bruins have split games during Brad Marchand’s suspension, so they’re not too far down in the standings. The B’s are 12-8-0, fifth in the Atlantic Division and one point out of a wild card spot.
The Bruins will travel back home to face the Tampa Bay Lightning in the last game of Marchand’s suspension. Puck drop will take place at 7:00 pm at TD Garden on Saturday, December 4.
(Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)