Bruins Offense Scores in Broad Fashion
Five different players found the net in a 6-2 victory over Pittsburgh, extending a streak that places Boston near the NHL's elite in offensive production.
By Riya Zhao ·
Pavel Zacha scored twice as the Boston Bruins overwhelmed the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-2 at PPG Paints Arena on Thursday. Mark Kastelic, Elias Lindholm, Morgan Geekie, and Fraser Minten also registered goals, marking the seventh instance in just 17 games that five distinct Bruins have scored in a single contest. The result improved Boston's record to 12-4-1.
The team's offensive depth defies early season projections. Boston has recorded 64 goals this season, a total that trails only the Edmonton Oilers (71), Carolina Hurricanes (69), and Colorado Avalanche (68). If the club maintains this pace, it would finish the 84-game schedule with 316 goals. That figure would represent the highest output for the franchise in more than 30 years, surpassing the 332 goals scored by the 1992-93 squad.
Coach Marco Sturm noted the breadth of the attack, pointing to Kastelic as the club's 12th player to record at least three goals this season. All four forward lines contributed points during the game. David Pastrnak and JJ Peterka each provided two assists. The Bruins generated six goals from just 24 shots on goal, despite being held without a power play marker.
Zacha, who now has five goals on the year, credited the team's ability to win battles and make wall plays. He stated that every line can contribute, a trait he associated with good teams. He added that winning five-on-five provides a boost to player confidence.
Backup goaltender Michael DiPietro made 16 saves against 18 shots on goal. He improved his record to 4-1-0. DiPietro described the game as a mental challenge, noting that the linesmen capitalized on chances. He contrasted the workload with Saturday, when he faced 42 shots from the Chicago Blackhawks.
The Penguins committed several defensive errors that aided Boston. In one play, four Pittsburgh players began a line change after a turnover, leaving Hampus Lindholm with an open passing lane to Geekie. The pass resulted in a goal that put Boston up 5-2 late in the second period. Captain Sidney Crosby struck his stick against the boards in frustration at the bench.
Rookie winger James Hagens left the game in the fifth minute of the third period after absorbing a cross-check from Sam Girard to the lower back. Hagens walked to the room in visible pain. Sturm said the team would assess the injury on Friday. He admitted he was unaware of Hagens' departure during the flow of the game.
Morgan Geekie scored his third goal in three consecutive games, bringing his season total to four. He acknowledged the increased confidence that comes with scoring, while also noting a missed chance shortly after his latest goal. He said the team's recent winning streak makes coming to the rink easier for everyone.
