The Boston Bruins took on the Washington Capitals tonight at home. This was the second game of a back-to-back for the Bruins. The final was a tough 5-3 loss. However, it was during the second period that Brad Marchand recorded an assist on the Bruins first goal. That assist was Marchand’s 400th career point.
Brad Marchand records 400th point, Boston Bruins Fall To Washington Capitals
Tonight’s game seemed like a slow and painful loss. Some bounces did not go Boston’s way and a few definitely went towards Washington’s favor. While the result tonight was not what Boston was looking for, it should not overlook the recent success of the Bruins so far this month.
In the last 12 games, spanning the end of November to tonight, the Bruins are 9 – 3. After tonight, they are two points up on Montreal with three games in-hand and sit third in the Atlantic. This recent surge is in large part due to the strong play of Brad Marchand and his linemates.
Now, recording his 400th point is a small milestone and by no means Marchand’s last achievement. Reaching 400 points this season was just a matter of time. While he has been battling injuries early on, his production when healthy continues to be there when the Bruins need it. The last-minute tieing goal and overtime winner last night in Detroit both came from the work of Marchand. His perfectly timed pass through a narrow lane to David Pastrnak and nifty backhanded goal for the win are just the latest examples of his skill and strength with the puck.
Bruins Top Line is Key
The healthy first line of Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak have been a force in the month of December. In the last seven games together, these three have combined for 27 points (nine goals and 18 assists).
Patrice Bergeron has two goals and five assists. Brad Marchand has four goals and seven assists. David Pastrnak has three goals and six assists. Just like in Detroit last night, their production has had a direct impact on these games. When this line is firing on all cylinders, the Bruins chances of getting two points definitely increases.
For example, The 3-0 win over the Philadelphia Flyers came with a goal and assist apiece from both Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak. Plus, Bergeron recorded an assist. Again, in the 3-1 win over the New York Islanders, Marchand scored a goal, Pastrnak recorded two assists and Bergeron got one.
Other Notable Reasons for Success
The Bruins have yet to put a full lineup of healthy bodies on the ice to start a game this season. But, these past few games have been the closest to a full lineup they have seen. Notable players missing this past week include Ryan Spooner and Adam McQuaid. With this strong lineup, the Bruins are 3-1 in their past four.
Some notable players who have continued to step up as of late include Torey Krug, Charlie McAvoy, Danton Heinen and Jake Debrusk. There has at least been one point out of one of these four in each of the last 12 games. In four of those games, there were at least four points total between these players.
The “goaltender controversy” that appeared to be brewing in Boston a few weeks ago is most certainly over. In his first 13 games of the season, Tuukka Rask was 3-8-2 with a 2.91 GAA and .899 save percentage. In his last five, he is 5-0 with a shutout. He seems to be back to the caliber play of a number one goalie. This type of action will most certainly be needed for success come spring and playoff time.
It is clear Brad Marchand has help and production from the rest of the team when the majority is healthy. This healthy Boston Bruins team is a threat in the Atlantic and in the East. While Brad Marchand recorded his 400th point tonight, there will be many more points this season and seasons to come for this star.
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