The Boston Bruins celebrated their 100th anniversary in style as they defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 3-1 in their season opener at TD Garden on Wednesday night. The Bruins, who have won six Stanley Cups in their history, unveiled their new alternate jerseys and honored their past legends before the game.
Poitras and Beecher make NHL debuts
Two of the Bruins’ young prospects, defenseman Mathieu Poitras and center John Beecher, made their NHL debuts in the game. Poitras, 19, was the Bruins’ first-round pick (15th overall) in the 2022 NHL Draft. He impressed the coaching staff with his skating, puck-moving and physical abilities during the training camp and earned a spot on the second defensive pair with Charlie McAvoy.
Beecher, 22, was the Bruins’ first-round pick (30th overall) in the 2019 NHL Draft. He played three seasons at the University of Michigan before signing his entry-level contract with the Bruins in August. He showed his speed, size and skill as he centered the third line with Jake DeBrusk and Nick Ritchie.
Both Poitras and Beecher recorded their first NHL points in the game. Poitras assisted on David Pastrnak’s power-play goal in the first period, while Beecher scored his first NHL goal in the second period.
Marchand shuts down Bedard
The Blackhawks’ rookie sensation, Conor Bedard, was held off the scoresheet for the first time in his young career. Bedard, 16, was the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft and became the youngest player to ever play in the NHL. He had four goals and six assists in his first four games, but he faced a tough challenge against the Bruins’ top line of Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron and Pastrnak.
Marchand, who won the Selke Trophy as the best defensive forward in the league last season, shadowed Bedard throughout the game and frustrated him with his relentless checking and chirping. Bedard finished the game with no shots on goal and a minus-one rating.
Rask solid in net
The Bruins’ veteran goaltender, Tuukka Rask, made 28 saves on 29 shots to earn his first win of the season. Rask, who is entering his 15th season with the Bruins, is one of the longest-tenured players on the team and one of the most decorated. He has won a Vezina Trophy, a Jennings Trophy and a Stanley Cup with the Bruins, and he is also the franchise leader in wins (314), shutouts (52) and save percentage (.922).
Rask made some key stops in the game, especially in the third period when the Blackhawks pressed for a comeback. He denied Patrick Kane, Alex DeBrincat and Kirby Dach with some acrobatic saves to preserve the lead. The only goal he allowed was a power-play tally by Seth Jones late in the second period.
Lucic-Pastrnak connection
One of the highlights of the pre-game ceremony was the appearance of former Bruin Milan Lucic, who returned to Boston as a special guest. Lucic played eight seasons with the Bruins from 2007 to 2015 and was a fan favorite for his physical style and clutch scoring. He helped the Bruins win their last Stanley Cup in 2011 and scored 139 goals and 342 points in 566 games with them.
Lucic, who now plays for the Calgary Flames, received a warm ovation from the crowd as he dropped the ceremonial puck along with Bruins legend Bobby Orr. He also had a special moment with Pastrnak, who wears Lucic’s old number 17 jersey. Pastrnak hugged Lucic and thanked him for giving him his blessing to wear his number when he joined the Bruins in 2014.
Pastrnak then went on to score his first goal of the season in the game, a one-timer from the left circle that beat Blackhawks goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. Pastrnak led the NHL in goals last season with 48 and is one of the most dynamic scorers in the league.
