by Bob Morello
Bruins wind down prior to Olympics
In Monday’s loss, the Bruins held a 3-2 lead going into the third period against the New York Rangers, but it was not enough to produce a victory, as the Empire State hosts came alive in the third period to tie the game 3-3, and eventually win it in overtime with a goal from Matthew Robertson. The rookie Robertson put a shot behind Boston goaltender Joonas Korpisalo, with less than four minutes remaining in the overtime for a 4-3 win, his first OT and game-winning goal, after the Bruins had a couple of stellar chances, denying the Bruins a much-needed extra point. The night started well, as Boston came back twice to tie the score, before Morgan Geekie potted his 29th to up the Bruins lead to 3-2. The Rangers who’ve been struggling lately, managed to hang in there as Jonathan Quick played well enough in net to give his team a chance to win. David Pastrnak posted his 900th career point by assisting on all three Bruins scores. Pasta also extended his point streak to seven games with his ‘hat trick’ of assists. The loss left Boston with a 30-20-3 record as they continue their chase for a wild card spot in the playoffs. Boston’s two scratches in the New York loss included defenseman Nikita Zadorov and winger Michael Eysimmont. Zadorov was a pregame warm-up decision, obviously still suffering from an injury in the loss to Montreal on Saturday.
Tuesday night’s game (at press time) had the Bruins hosting the Nashville Predators, also one of the many teams currently fighting to get into the playoffs. Tonight (Thursday 7:00pm) the Philadelphia Flyers, also hoping for a playoff spot, will invade TD Garden looking for a win. The final two games before the 2026 Winter Olympics will have the Bruins and the Tampa Bay Lightning facing off on Sunday, February 1st, in the 2026 Navy Federal Credit Union Stadium Series, which will take place in the Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, Florida) at 6:30pm. The last regular season game prior to the Winter Olympics start will have the Florida Panthers and Brad Marchand welcoming the Bruins on Wednesday (7:00pm). Marchand the former Bruins stalwart this season, has posted 25 goals, 24 assists for 49 points. Posing the question: How come we never get players like that? Seriously, those numbers are pretty impressive for a 2006 third round Bruins pick at 37 years old.