RECAP: Points streak ends in Pittsburgh; Bruins lose, 4-2

First Period

Pittsburgh absolutely dominated Boston for the first five minutes of the game, scoring in the first two minutes and peppering Jaroslav Halak with shots. Boston didn’t do itself any favors, struggling to control turnovers and taking an early bench minor.

Pittsburgh’s first goal came from controlling a turnover:

...as did their second, this time shorthanded on a great break by Jared McCann.

Despite a couple more penalties for Pittsburgh later in the period, the Bruins couldn’t dig into the lead.

Second Period

Boston finally got on the board with a power play goal of their own, as Danton Heinen made a smart chip in front of the Penguins’ net to an open David Krejci.

Matt Grzelcyk left the game in pain with what looks like an arm injury. Doesn’t look gruesome to watch, but could be bad, especially given that Griz has been a critical part of a rotating defensive corps.

There were even MORE penalties, including a challenging delay of game call against Patrice Bergeron. The play is so quick and looks like a deflection AND that Crosby provided the oomph, but it’s not something that can be reviewed or challenged. Fortunately the B’s got out of that kill unharmed.

Jake Guentzel controlled a beautiful pass from Sidney Crosby with a single stickhandle, roofing Pittsburgh’s third goal over Halak.

Third Period

Boston struggled to keep up with Pittsburgh’s skating pace, though with another penalty to Zach Trotman they were given an opportunity to keep the game tight; none came. Matt Murray shut the door on their chances and looked very dialed-in through the rest of the frame. The last-ditch effort with Halak pulled yielded a goal, but the Pens were able to ice the game with an empty-netter.