Bruins dominate road trip, finish off Islanders
The Bruins (12-2-2) wrapped up a very successful road trip (4-1) – their longest of the year – with a 4-1 win at Nassau Coliseum Tuesday night against the Islanders (8-11-1).
Tuukka Rask (10-1-2) made a season-high 36 saves and 10 Bruins had points, led by Patrice Bergeron and Tyler Seguin who each registered two assists. For Bergeron, it was his 100th career multi-point game in the NHL while Seguin notched his 100th career point.
Boston has made the most of its ample rest (the B’s came in with an NHL-low 15 games played), this was Rask’s fourth straight start and fourth consecutive victory. After losing in Buffalo 4-2 on Feb. 15, the Bruins rattled off wins in Winnipeg, Tampa Bay, Florida and Long Island. They’ve scored exactly four goals in each of their last three games and not allowed more than two in their last four.
Once again, the B’s used a good start to propel them. Adam McQuaid scored his first goal of the season thanks to an assist from Seguin and a shot that Islanders goaltender Evgeni Nabokov (30 saves) would probably like back. New York’s only goal came on a perfectly executed chip play, along the boards, then pass from Josh Bailey to Casey Cizikas.
A strong second period was enough to gain two more points (Boston has earned 26 out of a possible 32 thus far). Brad Marchand pounced on a rebound 38 seconds into the frame for his team-leading 10th goal. David Krejci scored a beautiful goal after some superb passes from linemates Nathan Horton and Milan Lucic. Rask made countless quality saves including two breakaways by Michael Grabner. Gregory Campbell’s empty-netter sealed it.
This was the longest time that Boston will be away from TD Garden. They last played there on Feb. 12 (vs. Rangers). Tuesday was the start of four games in six days and Thursday’s (7 p.m., NESN) meeting with Ottawa begins a three home games in four days stretch. The Senators (12-6-2) are the only team hotter in the Eastern Conference than the Bruins as they’ve won five in a row.
Follow Metro Boston Bruins beat writer Richard Slate on Twitter: @RichSlate
