Jake Debrusk scored two goals on Monday afternoon, both in the third period to lead the Boston Bruins to a 2-1 come from behind win over the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2023 Winter Classic at Fenway Park in Boston.
The teams played to a scoreless first period, but not without a few good chances on both ends. The best opportunities came on a wristshot that went off the goalpost by Debusk 7:39 into action, and just 16 seconds later Pittsburgh got a chance when a Jake Guentzel shot also clanged off iron. Later in the period, Penguins starting goaltender Tristan Jarry left the game and didn’t return with what looked like a lower body injury. Former UNH Wildcat Casey DeSmith took over between the pipes. The Bruins got the only powerplay opportunity of the opening 20 minutes on a boarding call with 2:39 left, and despite three shots on that man advantage the game went to the intermission with no score.
Pittsburgh scored first when Jeff Carter won a battle for the puck with a forecheck behind the Boston goal, and centered it to Kasperi Kapanen who was wide open and fired it past goaltender Linus Ullmark right in front of the net at 8:40 of the second period. Kapanen had a chance to extend the lead when he walked out in front in the low slot with 5:22 remaining, but Ullmark was able to come up with the save. The Bruins had a few good chances as well. Taylor Hall got control of a turnover at his opponents blue line and fired a shot that was deflected on net by Trent Frederic, but was saved by DeSmith. They also had some chances near the front of the goal in the final 30 seconds or so, including a wristshot by David Pastrnak that was also turned away by DeSmith as he maintained the lead for his team.
After Pittsburgh (19-12-6) failed on an early powerplay in the third period, Boston got one when Brad Marchand was tripped with 14:20 left to play. The B’s despite good pressure couldn’t score on the extra man, but just six seconds after the penalty expired Debrusk came out in front and shoveled one past DeSmith to tie the game 1-1. The game winner came on a rush by Hall who went down the slot and got a shot on goal that was stopped partially by the Penguins netminder, but Debrusk was there to tap in the rebound with just 2:24 left to play. Pittsburgh pulled the goalie late looking for the equalizer, and nearly got it right at the horn as Malkin slammed in a shot that found the back of the net but it was after the clock hit zero as the Bruins escaped with the win. They have not lost a game in regulation in 11 straight.
David Krejci, Brad Marchand, Matt Grzelcyk, and Hall had one assist each in the win for Boston who improves to 29-4-4. Ullmark made 26 saves in net. Jarry stopped eight shots and DeSmith stopped 19 in the loss for Pittsburgh, who has now lost five straight games. The Bruins honored greats Bobby Orr, Johny Bucyk, and Zedeno Chara for the ceremonial puck drop before the game. Orr made the “first puck pitch” to former Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek. Tim Wakefield was also on hand. Boston returns to action on Thursday night when they begin a three game West Coast road trip in Los Angeles against the Kings.
Recap by Chris Lessner
