Bruins tackle Maple Leafs to put season sweep of rival in sight

Field Level Media|published: Tue Mar 05 2024 02:47
Mar 4, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman (1) makes a save during warm up before a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. credits: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Pavel Zacha scored two goals, Jeremy Swayman stopped 32 shots and the visiting Boston Bruins defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-1 Monday night.

Jake DeBrusk added a goal and an assist for the Bruins, who have won all three games against the Maple Leafs so far this season. The other two Boston wins against Toronto were in overtime and a shootout; the Bruins will go for the season sweep at home on Thursday.

David Pastrnak added three assists and Morgan Geekie also scored.

John Tavares scored for the Maple Leafs. Joseph Woll made 26 saves.

Boston had the better chances while killing off the first power play of the game early in the first period.

With the sides even, the Bruins took the lead when Geekie chipped in Pastrnak's diagonal pass to the front of the net. Geekie's 14th goal of the season came at 9:43 of the first period.

Zacha scored during a power play at 12:42 of the first on a 22-foot wrist shot. Pastrnak made the final pass from behind the net. Jake McCabe was off for slashing.

DeBrusk scored his 14th goal of the season on the counterattack at 5:07 of the second period with a 35-foot wrist shot. The Bruins were able to break out after Swayman stopped a shot from Toronto's Bobby McMann. Charlie Coyle and Brad Marchand earned assists.

Boston defenseman Brandon Carlo saved a possible goal at 15:04 of the second when he cleared the puck off the goal line on an attempt by Auston Matthews during a power play.

Tavares scored his 19th goal of the season at 3:52 of the third period on a 42-foot shot after a Boston turnover.

Seconds later, Toronto's Mitchell Marner had a deflection ring off a goal post.

Pastrnak set up Zacha for his 14th goal on a close-range shot at 10:35 of the third.

—Field Level Media

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