Jakub Lauko, Charlie Coyle, Jake DeBrusk and Brad Marchand all scored in the Boston Bruins' 4-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets Monday night at TD Garden.
BOSTON – With just over five minutes remaining in the third period, the Boston Bruins were on the penalty kill, protecting a 2-1 lead against a top-ranking Winnipeg Jets team.
Morgan Geekie came buzzing into the offensive zone and got the puck on net. Jake DeBrusk then snapped the rebound past Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck and extended Boston’s advantage to 3-1 at 14:35.
The Bruins have been committed to closing out games no matter the circumstances, and it paid dividends in their 4-1 win over Winnipeg Monday night at TD Garden.
“They pushed, we just had to try to simplify our game and just try to capitalize on any chance we can get. I was lucky enough to get some insurance there,” DeBrusk said.
DeBrusk now has five points in his last three games and 12 goals on the season.
Winnipeg’s 34-game streak of not allowing more than three goals was snapped as the B’s came storming back for redemption following December’s disheveled 5-1 loss to the Jets at Canada Life Centre.
“They embarrassed us the last time we were in Winnipeg,” Bruins coach Jim Montgomery said. “We have a lot of proud guys that represent the Bruins for a long time in a real good way. I think the opportunity to get back at them was something that was motivating.”
Jakub Lauko gave the Bruins an early 1-0 lead, knocking in a slick pass from Trent Frederic, who drew Hellebuyck to the right side before dishing it to Lauko on the left doorstep. The play at 2:20 of the first period marked Lauko’s second goal in three games.
Geekie, who has been centering the third line with Lauko and Frederic, was strong on the forecheck to gain the offensive zone possession that led to the tally.
“We’ve kind of got a little bit of everything it feels like. [Lauko] brings a lot of energy to our line, a lot of space, and he’s been rewarded going to the net,” Geekie said.
“I think it speaks to the chemistry everyone has on this team. The lines are kind of all over the map sometimes, but you don’t really see that miscommunication.”
The Jets were quick to respond, tying the contest 1-1 at 4:16 thanks to a goal from forward Vladislav Namestnikov. Brad Marchand’s turnover allowed a blast from the blue line from defenseman Dylan DeMelo that Namestnikov got a stick on and cleanly beat Jeremy Swayman.
Charlie Coyle regained Boston’s advantage in the closing minutes of the first, tipping in Hampus Lindholm’s shot from the point for the 2-1 score at 18:26. The goal was Coyle’s 17th of the season, surpassing his 16 total from last year only 45 games into the 2023-24 campaign.
Jeremy Swayman, who posted a total 21 saves, weathered Winnipeg’s push to open the third period after a scoreless middle frame and earned first star of the game with a resume of timely stops throughout the 60 minutes.
“We just want to close out games here, especially at home. And that’s Bruins’ hockey – third is our best always when we step on the ice,” Swayman said. “It’s a confident group going into the third right now, so we’re going to continue that.”
Brad Marchand followed DeBrusk’s short-handed goal with an empty-net tally at 19:05, sealed the 4-1 victory and extended the Bruins’ win streak to five games.
“I think that’s playoff hockey to be honest. Obviously it’s probably not as physical or intense, but tight checking and close scores are what you’re going to be seeing when it counts,” DeBrusk said.
The Bruins will be back in action Wednesday night at TD Garden as they host the Carolina Hurricanes for a 7:30 p.m. puck drop.
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