NHL playoffs begin: Bruins’ Tyler Bertuzzi has great assist, steals stick in win against Panthers
The Boston Bruins, already on their way toward a record season, traded for the Detroit Red Wings’ Tyler Bertuzzi on March 2.
That satisfied the Bruins’ desire to add offense with Taylor Hall sidelined at the time by an injury. Bertuzzi is a former 30-goal scorer who was limited to four goals in Detroit this season because he has broken his hand twice.
It also satisfied their desire to add to the team’s feistiness and physical play, which Boston had done earlier by acquiring Garnet Hathaway and Dmitry Orlov from the Washington Capitals.
The trade gave Bertuzzi a chance to make the playoffs for the first time in his career and he showed both sides of his game in a 3-1 victory against the Florida Panthers.
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Bertuzzi had two assists, including a great no-look pass on the power play to David Pastrnak to give Boston a 1-0 lead.
The feisty side was a sneaky one. As he and Florida’s Nick Cousins were skating off the ice, Bertuzzi grabbed his opponent’s stick and carried it with him onto the bench.
left Monday’s game after a hit by Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba.2-1 victory in Game 1.
They did have an interaction in the game, as the two Ahos collided.
4-3 in overtime. Adrian Kempe scored twice and Anze Kopitar tied the game in the final minute. Kopitar, the Kings captain, also assisted on Alex Iafallo’s OT winner to finish with a four-point game. Oilers star Connor McDavid was held off the scoresheet. … Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron missed Game 1 because of illness. … Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar is scheduled to return from injury for Game 1 vs. the Seattle Kraken. … So is Vegas Golden Knights forward Mark Stone vs. the Winnipeg Jets.