David Pastrnak Leads Bruins to 5-1 Win Over Canucks – Hockey Writers – Vancouver Canucks

Led by David Pastrnak's four points, one of which was his 400th career assist, the Boston Bruins defeated the Vancouver Canucks 5-1 on Saturday night at Rogers Arena. Brad Marchand scored his fifth in the last five games and had a team-high seven shots after starting the game to a boo from Canucks fans while Pavel Zacha had his best effort with a goal and two assists. Morgan Geekie also added to the fun with a goal and an assist. Max Sasson was the only one to respond for the Canucks, getting his first NHL goal in the third period.

Recap of the game

The Bruins scored early on the power play with Marchand scoring over five minutes, waiting for Thatcher Demko and scoring in the 13th. Outplaying and outscoring the Canucks early, the Bruins doubled their lead at 8:08 when Geekie one-timed past Pastrnak to put his team up 2-0. The Bruins came out with a purpose and not only ended the first with a 2-0 lead but also had the opportunity to shoot 16-4.

The dominance continued in the second for the Bruins as Zacha made it 3-0 just 1:13 into the period. Then, taking advantage of a Canucks turnover and two deflections from Tyler Myers and Erik Brannstrom, Marc McLaughlin increased the lead to 4-0 for the first time of the season at 11:49. Going into the third, the Bruins had complete control of the game, limiting the Canucks to just four high-danger chances and keeping them off the scoreboard.

The Canucks have a history of comebacks this season, but the Bruins put an end to that early in the third with Pastrnak's 11th of the season and fourth point of the night. Sasson broke up Jeremy Swayman's shutout bid midway through the period, but the Bruins didn't let up after that, easily falling to the Canucks 5-1. Swayman made 19 saves on 20 shots in his return after allowing eight goals against the Winnipeg Jets on Dec. 10. Demko, on the other hand, made 24 saves on 29 shots in his second start back from injury. . first in regulation following a 4-3 overtime loss to St. Louis Blues on Tuesday.

What's Next for the Canucks & Bruins?

The Canucks will wrap up their six-game homestand against Cale Makar and the Colorado Avalanche on Monday while the Bruins will head to Alberta to play the Calgary Flames on Tuesday.