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Bruins vs. Sharks Takeaways: Boston Rallies for 6-4 Win
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- Bruins vs. Sharks Takeaways: Boston Rallies for 6-4 Win
Bruins vs. Sharks Takeaways: Boston Rallies for 6-4 Win originally appeared on NESN . Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
David Pastrnak reached a major franchise milestone as the Bruins scored four third-period goals to overcome San Jose and extend their point streak to eight games.
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The Boston Bruins found another way to keep their strong start going Saturday night, overcoming a third-period deficit to beat the San Jose Sharks 6-4 at TD Garden.
Boston trailed 3-2 early in the final frame before David Pastrnak tied the game and James Hagens put the Bruins back in front. Fraser Minten added a power-play goal, and Will Borgen sealed the win with an empty-netter.
The victory extended Boston's point streak to eight games, improving its record to 9-2-1. The Bruins also swept the season series against San Jose.
Here are three takeaways from Boston's win over the Sharks.
Pastrnak reaches another Bruins milestone
Pastrnak gave Boston the spark it needed in the third period, turning a trip to the penalty box into a pivotal moment in the comeback.
After serving his penalty, Pastrnak rejoined the play and connected with a pass from J.J. Peterka. He let go of a shot from the right circle at 8:27 of the third, beating the San Jose goaltender to pull Boston even at 3-3. It was Pastrnak's seventh goal of the season.
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The tally also put him in rare company in Bruins history. With 427 career goals, Pastrnak moved into a tie with former Boston captain Patrice Bergeron for third on the franchise's all-time list.
The timing made the milestone even more meaningful. San Jose had grabbed a one-goal advantage earlier in the period, but Pastrnak's finish helped swing the game back in Boston's favor. Hagens scored just 40 seconds later, giving the Bruins a lead they would not relinquish.
Bruins' offense comes alive in the third
Boston needed a response after allowing San Jose to take its first lead of the night, and it delivered with four goals in the final period.
Pastrnak tied the score at 3, and Hagens followed just 40 seconds later to put the Bruins ahead 4-3. Minten then capitalized on a power-play opportunity at the 12-minute mark, extending the advantage to two goals.
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San Jose's Will Smith cut the deficit to one shortly afterward, but the Bruins kept their composure and protected the lead before Borgen scored into an empty net in the closing seconds.
The six-goal performance featured contributions from six different Boston players: Casey Mittelstadt, Marat Khusnutdinov, Pastrnak, Hagens, Minten and Borgen.
Mittelstadt also reached a personal milestone by scoring his 100th career NHL goal in the first period. The balanced attack gave Boston multiple ways to generate offense, even when the Sharks briefly took control.
Boston keeps its point streak alive despite defensive lapses
The Bruins extended their point streak to eight games Saturday, but their comeback win over San Jose also exposed some defensive issues that need attention.
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The Sharks got goals from Michael Misa, Kiefer Sherwood, Dmitry Orlov and Will Smith, with special teams playing a significant role in keeping the game close. San Jose scored twice on the power play and added a shorthanded goal, capitalizing on Boston's penalties to create scoring opportunities.
The physical matchup featured plenty of penalties and two fights. The teams combined for 16 penalties and 46 penalty minutes, with Boston assessed nine penalties for 24 minutes and San Jose receiving seven penalties for 22 minutes. Mark Kastelic and Michael Kesselring fought in the second period before Tanner Jeannot and Zack Ostapchuk dropped the gloves early in the third.
Orlov's goal at 4:03 of the third period gave San Jose a 3-2 lead, forcing Boston to mount another comeback. The Bruins responded with four goals in the final frame, but their penalty trouble and struggles to contain the Sharks remain areas to address.
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Jeremy Swayman made 21 saves to help Boston secure the win. The Bruins have now earned at least one point in eight straight games, posting a 7-0-1 record during that stretch.
Boston will look to carry that momentum into its next matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday night. The Bruins have shown they can generate offense when the pressure rises, but tightening up defensively and staying out of the penalty box could help them avoid needing another late rally.
