In a rematch of the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals, the Bruins were looking to sweep the season series against the Canucks in Vancouver. The Bruins were able to get an early lead due to their top line.
David Backes got the scoring going as he went hard to the net for his 14th of the season. Brad Marchand found a streaking Patrice Bergeron, who was able to get a good shot of on Canucks goaltender Ryan Miller. Bergeron followed up his rebound and shot the puck out front. The puck deflected off of Backes skate and into the back of the net for the early 1-0 lead.
The Canucks thought about challenging the goal, but there was no distinct kicking motion from Backes. With the first goal of the game, this was the 11th time in 14 games that Bruins have scored the first goal of the game.
After the goal though, the Bruins end of the first period was disastrous. The Canucks were able to get two goals from Markus Granlund 1:18 seconds apart in similar fashion. Both goals were assisted by the Sedin twins. The Canucks were able to get into transition on both plays to set them up beautifully.
The first was a 3-on-2 breaking into the Bruins end. Henrik had a great net drive to open up the lane for Granlund to find a shooting lane. Granlund’s shot beat Tuukka Rask to the blocker side to tie the game at one. Then the next goal was a 4-on-3 rush that the Bruins lost coverage on. Granlund was able to sneak backdoor and one-time it past Rask for the 2-1 after the first.
The Bruins were looking to respond in the second period and their captain responded. After a great forechecking shift from the Bruins fourth line. Dominic Moore sent the puck to the point. Zdeno Chara took a wrister from the blue line that was able to beat Miller five hole. Jimmy Hayes set a little bit of a screen in front to tie the game at two.
The game was not tied for long as the Canucks responded just 21 seconds later. This was a goal that Rask would like to have back as it squeaked through his pad. Alexander Edler took the puck off the faceoff and skated it into the Bruins end. His original shot was blocked by Torey Krug, but Edler followed his own shot and was able to beat Rask to take another one goal lead.
The Bruins trailed heading into third period, but started it on a powerplay. The powerplay was able to help the Bruins offense get going as Marchand got his team leading 33rd goal of the season. Krug sent in David Pastrnak on a partial break that Miller was able to save. Pastrnak threw the puck back out front. Marchand was able to corral it and backhand it over the sprawling Miller to tie the game.
This was not the last from the little ball of hate. Marchand got his second of the game to give the Bruins their first lead since it was 1-0. Marchand was able to steal the puck and deke both Edler and Miller for the highlight reel goal. Words cannot do it justice and Marchand showcased all of his abilities.
The Canucks were trying to make a push to tie the game, but Rask and the defense prevailed, allowing the Bruins to get the back breaker. Frank Vatrano got in on the forecheck and stole the puck. Vatrano pushed it over to Pastrnak, who took it to the net. Pastrnak found David Krejci sneaking in backdoor for a wide open net. Krejci deposited his 19th of the season for the 5-3 lead.
The Canucks pulled their goalie for a last chance effort to tie the game. In doing so, it gave Marchand a perfect opportunity to go for his third of the night. Marchand got the puck in open ice and fired it at the open net. Marchand buried the middle of the net for his second career hat trick of his career. The goal ties Marchand with Sidney Crosby for league lead at 35. This was the first Bruins hat trick since Jimmy Hayes back in 2016. The goal iced the game as Bruins were able to get the two points.
The Bruins will stay in western Canada and play the hottest team in hockey, the Calgary Flames. The Flames have won 10 straight games and have been hottest team in the league as of late. Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy announced that Anton Khudobin will get the start for Boston. Puck drop is at 9:00PM.
