The Boston Bruins broke out of a scoring slump in dramatic fashion Saturday night, as David Pastrnak’s power-play goal with just two seconds remaining in overtime propelled them to a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Florida Panthers. The win snapped Boston’s six-game losing streak and showcased the team’s resilience in a high-stakes divisional clash.
Pastrnak, who has been on a hot streak, scored twice in the game, bringing his tally to six goals in the last five games. In addition to his scoring, he also contributed an assist, continuing to demonstrate why he’s one of the league’s premier offensive threats. His overtime winner, deflected on its way into the net, came after the Bruins had gone eight games without a power-play goal.
“It was a huge win for us,” Pastrnak said postgame. “We’ve been struggling offensively, but tonight we showed a lot of fight. It feels great to get the two points.”
The game had no shortage of drama, with both teams trading blows in a contest that showcased timely scoring and clutch performances.
Morgan Geekie opened the scoring for Boston with a power-play goal in the first period, ending the Bruins’ extended drought with the man advantage. Geekie also registered an assist, playing a pivotal role in the team’s offensive resurgence.
Florida’s Evan Rodrigues responded with a power-play goal of his own, snapping a 15-game goal drought and tying the game at 1-1. The Panthers then took a brief lead in the second period before the Bruins roared back in the third. Oliver Wahlstrom, in his first game as a Bruin, notched his inaugural goal for the team, giving Boston a 3-2 lead just minutes after Sam Reinhart tied it for Florida.
Reinhart, who was a force for the Panthers with two goals on the night, provided late-game heroics by scoring the tying goal with just two seconds left in regulation, sending the game to overtime.
In the extra frame, Pastrnak delivered the decisive blow, capitalizing on a power play to secure Boston’s much-needed victory.
Boston’s scoring woes have been a significant concern, with the team scoring one goal or fewer in four of their past six games. Saturday’s performance, which included two power-play goals, marked a major turnaround. Geekie’s early contribution and Wahlstrom’s timely strike were pivotal, but Pastrnak’s continued brilliance carried the team.
Despite the loss, Florida remains the only team in the league that hasn’t lost a one-goal game in regulation. Reinhart’s late-game heroics and Rodrigues breaking his scoring drought highlight the team’s depth and determination, even in defeat.
Third Matchup of the Season: This was the third meeting of the year between these playoff rivals, with Florida winning the previous two matchups while scoring a combined 10 goals.
Overtime Decider: Pastrnak’s goal at 4:58 of overtime, deflected into the net, sealed the victory for Boston.
Wahlstrom’s Impact: In his first game for Boston, Wahlstrom responded to Reinhart’s third-period equalizer with a go-ahead goal just minutes later, showing his ability to contribute in clutch situations.
Boston heads to Tampa Bay to face the Lightning on Tuesday. Florida travels to Philadelphia for a Monday night matchup with the Flyers.
This thrilling win not only breaks the Bruins’ skid but also sets the tone as they head into a pivotal stretch of the season. For the Panthers, the overtime loss underscores their competitiveness in tight games, a hallmark of a team looking to return to the postseason.
