The Bruins set an NHL record by winning 12 consecutive home games to start the season after their 3-2 overtime victory over the Hurricanes on Friday. Boston rallied from an early two-goal deficit. Here’s what you should know.
- Center David Krejci scored two goals during regulation to even the score and force overtime.
- Winger David Pastrnak netted the winning goal to preserve the Bruins’ perfect record at home.
- Boston is 18-3 this season. Its only losses came when visiting Ottawa, Toronto and Florida.
Backstory
The Bruins have been on an absolute tear this season, but their home win streak seemed to be at risk until Krejci first lit up the board with 31 seconds left in the second period and added his second goal of the evening with 9:33 left in regulation.
The previous record of 11 straight home wins to open a season was set by the Chicago Blackhawks during the 1963-1964 season and matched by the Panthers last year.
The loss extends the Hurricanes’ (10-6-5) losing streak to five.
The game was a rematch of last season’s playoff series which saw the Bruins exit the postseason in the first round after the Hurricanes won in seven games.
Keys to the Bruins’ success
The Bruins’ depth has been the biggest reason for their 12-0-0 start at TD Garden. Because of the way they’re built, Boston does not give opponents any moments to breathe, even when they are trailing. The Bruins were down 2-0 in the second period against Carolina, but continued to roll four lines and three pairings. Even Jeremy Swayman contributed to the win when he took over for an injured Linus Ullmark in the third period.
The Bruins also have mega-watt star power. Pastrnak, who’s been their best player, hammered home the overtime winner on the power play. — Shinzawa
What they’re saying
“Home ice is always important,” team captain Patrice Bergeron said. “We’re proud and we want to keep getting better. It feels nice to have a record like that. This league’s been around for a long time. It’s special.”
Highlight of the game
A RIGATONI ROCKET. 🚀 pic.twitter.com/xaxs7n3YJo
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) November 25, 2022
Required reading
(Photo: Bob DeChiara / USA Today)
Source link: https://theathletic.com/3936054/2022/11/25/bruins-nhl-record-home-win/
