RECAP: Legendary PK Leads To 3-2 SO Win For Bruins

On Saturday night, the Boston Bruins defeated the Washington Capitals 3-2 in what may have been their most gutsy victory of the season.

Thanks to an incredible four-minute penalty kill in overtime and clutch goaltending from Jeremy Swayman (18 saves, 3 SO saves), the Bruins won two points and reclaimed top place in the Atlantic Division.

In regulation, Bruins defenseman Hampus Lindholm and rookie winger John Beecher scored, while Capitals forwards Michael Scarbossa and John Carlson did the same.

Here’s the Boston Hockey Now Bruins postgame:

CLUTCH: With only 57 ticks remaining in overtime, it appeared that the Bruins would have to settle for a point after being forced to go four minutes without a player due to a Lindholm high-sticking double-minor. That’s when the Bruins’ penalty kill began to resemble that of the 2011 or 2013 Boston Bruins. Swayman made five saves, while the Bruins blocked shots like their lives depended on them. That sent them to the shootout, where DeBrusk, Pastrnak, and Shattenkirk ignited the light for the victory.

DOGHOUSE: Do the Boston Bruins have a thing against shooting the puck? The Bruins outshot the Capitals 28-20, but as has been the case all season, they missed far too many opportunities. The pinnacle of this occurred on a late powerplay following a Martin Ferhervary high-sticking penalty. The Bruins only had one attempt on goal as they aimlessly passed around the perimeter, looking for the ideal play down low. That has defined their powerplay and a significant component of their attacking attack for some time.

Bruins winger Pavel Zacha and Capitals center Nic Dowd each had six hits, leading all skaters.

UNSUNG HERO: Not only did Boston Bruins defenseman Hampus Lindholm score his first goal in 51 games (on November 14 against the Buffalo Sabres), but he also made a save on Saturday night. Lindholm rushed in behind Bruins goalkeeper Jeremy Swayman after giving up a delicious rebound to Capitals forward Connor McMichael, blocking McMichael’s scoring attempt only 51 seconds into the game.

After playing the role of goaltender earlier, Hampus Lindholm gives the Bruins a 1-0 lead. pic.twitter.com/XKnTVqP92L

— Jamie Gatlin (@JamieGatlin17) March 30, 2024

Lindholm finished with one goal and three shots blocked in 35 shifts totaling 26:08 TOI.

Lindholm has only two goals and 23 assists this season, a far cry from his 10 goals and 43 assists that earned him fourth place in the Norris Trophy voting last season. However, the 6-foot-4, 220-pound defenseman has recently demonstrated excellent two-way play and remains an important member of the Bruins’ blue line.

Yes, Lindholm took that high-sticking double-minor in overtime, but the decision was questionable at best.

UP NEXT: The Bruins will spend two days at home before returning on the road to face one of the hottest teams this month, the Nashville Predators.