David Pastrnak continued his hot streak, scoring twice, including the game-winning power-play goal in the third period, to lift the Boston Bruins to a 3-2 win over the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday night.
Pastrnak has scored 14 goals since the start of January, with four being game-winners.
“It’s a bit of luck and hard work,” Pastrnak said. “I haven’t really changed much in my approach.”
Taylor Hall added a goal and an assist, helping the Bruins secure their second win in three games heading into the All-Star break. Linus Ullmark made 25 saves.
However, Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy expressed disappointment with his team’s energy as they surrendered a two-goal lead in the third period for the second time in four games.
“At the end of the day, we got it back,” Cassidy said. “We made some key saves and got the win.”
Joonas Donskoi and Mason Appleton scored for Seattle but are now losing two straight games by a one-goal margin. Chris Driedger stopped 23 of 26 shots in his first game since exiting the COVID-19 protocol in mid-January.
“Another one-goal loss,” Donskoi said. “It was a tight game, but it’s frustrating.”
Trailing 2-0, the Kraken came out strong in the final period. Donskoi scored 42 seconds into the third with a wrist shot, assisted by Ryan Donato and Alex Wennberg, marking his first goal of the season.
Seattle tied the game with 12:30 remaining when Appleton’s shot from the point was deflected into the net, with assists from Adam Larsson and Colin Blackwell.
However, Seattle’s momentum was halted three minutes later when Mark Giordano was penalized for tripping Steven Fogarty.
Boston capitalized on the power play, with Pastrnak’s long shot from the circle finding its way past Driedger to put the Bruins back in the lead.
Boston didn’t get its first power play opportunity until late in the second period.
Yanni Gourde was penalized for a hard check on Urho Vaakanainen, who slammed him into the end boards behind the Boston net. Vaakanainen left the ice bleeding and did not return. Cassidy later confirmed that Vaakanainen was screened for a concussion.
Initially called a five-minute major, the penalty was downgraded to a boarding minor after a review, and Boston failed to score on the power play.
Later, with under 11 minutes remaining and Seattle’s Marcus Johansson in the penalty box for tripping, Taylor Hall navigated through traffic and passed to Brad Marchand, who fed Pastrnak for a slap shot from the left circle that deflected off a skate and into the net, giving Boston a 1-0 lead.
It was the Bruins’ 11th power-play goal in their last 10 games.
Hall’s persistence paid off late in the second period when he stole the puck from Seattle’s Riley Sheahan and quickly snapped a shot past Driedger to make it 2-0.
Hall expressed his desire to contribute more in the second half of the season.
“I believe I have another level as a two-way player. Hopefully, I can reach that after the All-Star break,” Hall said. “When the opportunity arises, I can make plays and add value.”
REST FOR RASK
Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask will use the All-Star break to rest a lower-body injury related to his offseason hip surgery. Rask hasn’t played since January 24. He is 2-2 in four games, allowing 14 goals on 76 shots.
MOVES
The Kraken recalled Max McCormick, Kole Lind, and Connor Carrick from the taxi squad. Additionally, defenseman Will Borgen entered the COVID-19 protocol.
UP NEXT
- Kraken: Visit the Islanders on Wednesday in their final game before the All-Star break.
- Bruins: Host the Penguins on February 8.
