Jaroslav Halak shines, but Bruins fall in another shootout - The Boston Globe
The top two teams in the Eastern Conference put on a rugged show at TD Garden on Saturday, and while Charlie Coyle scored for the Bruins in the shootout, the Black and Gold dropped a 3-2 decision.
After his club fell to 12-3-5, coach Bruce Cassidy said Washington was the best team they’ve played all year.
“Speed and brawn,” Cassidy said. “Our lineup wasn’t equal to theirs in terms of our typical manpower. We don’t use that as an excuse, but if you’re asking me how to compare teams, you’ve got to bring that in, correct?
The Capitals’ 44 shots were a season-high total, but Halak allowed only a double-deflection goal until Oshie scored on their 39th attempt. The Bruins regretted they couldn’t finish it for their netminder, who declined interview requests after the game.
“Our best player by far,” Cassidy said. “I liked that we really backed Jaro up in that third period, but in the first and second, he made a number of oustanding saves, and again in the shootout.”
He didn’t deserve a loss like that,” said Coyle, who extended his point streak to four games (2-3—5). “When they had their pushes and we broke down defensively, him shutting the door kept us with the lead, kept us in the game. He was great.”
You want 2 points,” Coyle said. “We want to be able to shut the door there. When you have the lead like that, that late in the game, especially for your goaltender. He’s played so well. You want to end on the right note for him.”
They’re a great team,” Pastrnak said. “Heavy team, big bodies, and fast. They want to play up and down.
“We were real close to getting two points. It sucks.”
