Peterka Wins It in OT as Bruins Stun Jets, 4-3
Now THAT is how you play spoiler. Down a goal in the final two minutes, with Jeremy Swayman pulled for an extra attacker, the Bruins found a way. Elias Lindholm tied it with 1:38 left in regulation, and JJ Peterka scored 3:21 into overtime to give Boston a 4-3 win over the Winnipeg Jets on Friday night, ruining the Jets' home opener. The Bruins are 2-0-0, and we are having a lot of fun.
A rookie's first goal
Winnipeg got on the board first, when Dylan DeMelo's one-timer from the point beat a screened Swayman at 4:52 of the first period. Hampus Lindholm answered at 9:23, ripping a one-timer from the blue line that slid under Stuart Skinner's glove.
And then came a moment we'll remember for a long time. At 15:20, Mark Kastelic drove hard to the net, Nikita Zadorov tapped the puck across the crease, and rookie James Hagens slid it under an outstretched Skinner. That's James Hagens' first NHL goal, Bruins fans! What a moment for the kid, and it gave Boston a 2-1 lead after one period.
The Jets fight back
The second period belonged to Winnipeg. Kyle Connor scored on the power play at 1:50, pouncing on a scramble in front and going five-hole on Swayman. Then, with just eight seconds left in the period, Mario Ferraro fired a wrist shot from the top of the left circle that found its way in. That put the Jets ahead 3-2 heading into the third, and the home crowd was loving it.
Never say die
But this Bruins team doesn't quit. Boston pushed hard in the third, outshooting the Jets 12-8. With Swayman on the bench and time running out, David Pastrnak let a shot go from outside the right circle and Elias Lindholm tipped it in at 18:22. Tie game. Overtime. Let's go.
Peterka for the win
In overtime, Pastrnak found Peterka in alone on a breakaway, and Peterka went right through Skinner's five-hole for the winner. It was Peterka's second game-winning goal in his first two games as a Bruin. We're starting to think the trade that brought him over from Utah in June was a pretty good idea.
The stars of the night
Swayman made 30 saves, keeping Boston in it during that tough second period. Pastrnak had two assists, both on the two biggest goals of the night. Zadorov also had two assists, including the setup on Hagens' first goal.
Our takeaways
This team has heart. Coming back late on the road, in a hostile building, says a lot about this group. Peterka is clutch. Two games, two game-winners. Can't ask for more than that. Hagens is on the board. Every great career starts with goal number one, and his came in a big moment.
Second half of the back-to-back is Saturday in Minnesota. What a start, B's fans. 🐻