Regardless of the venue, the Boston Bruins keep winning at home.
The Bruins improved to 19-0-3 at home this season, defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins 2-1 in the Winter Classic thanks to two goals by forward Jake DeBrusk.
The game took place on Monday afternoon at Fenway Park, 13 years after the 2010 game was held there.
The Penguins, who had a five-game losing streak, dressed 11 forwards and seven defensemen. Kris Letang, who is out with a lower-body injury, flew to Montreal to attend his father’s funeral. The game then saw Pittsburgh lose its starting goaltender.
Forward for the Bruins DeBrusk, Jake
He expressed interest in a trade last season, but nothing came of it. Under new coach Jim Montgomery, he’s thriving, scoring his 15th and 16th goals of the season. It was his third game with multiple goals this season.
“He took it upon himself to work on areas that he needed to work on, and he keeps getting better… so I’m happy to have him on our side,” said Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron.
Bruins goalkeeper Linus Ullmark’s
He added to his Vezina Trophy campaign with a 26-save performance. This season, Ullmark is 21-1-1 with a 1.86 goals-against average and.939 save percentage. He also demonstrated showmanship by attempting an empty-net goal.
Penguins striker Kapanen, Kasperi
In November, Kapanen was a healthy scratch nine times in ten games and saw limited ice time in the other games. His second-period goal could be just what he needs to get going. He scored from his knees after a bang-bang play that began with a Jeff Carter steal. It was his sixth goal of the season and his first since a hat trick on December 3rd. Carter also assisted in the 2010 Winter Classic while playing for the Philadelphia Flyers.
Acceptance of the baseball theme
Play at an iconic baseball stadium with a baseball theme.
The Bruins and Penguins did so as they entered the stadium dressed as the 1935 Boston Red Sox and the 1925 Pittsburgh Pirates, respectively. Bergeron stated that players had been working on the concept since learning they would be playing in this game last year. “It was last-minute, but I’m pretty pleased with the outfit,” he said. Before the game, Bruins players also tossed the ball around.
The ceremonial puck drop was replaced by a ceremonial first pitch takeoff. The effort of Bruins legend Bobby Orr was a little low, but former Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek kept it from becoming a passed ball (puck).
The Kraken of Seattle
Commissioner Gary Bettman announced that the 2024 Winter Classic will be held at T-Mobile Park, home of the Seattle Mariners. The 32nd team in the NHL will host the 31st, the Vegas Golden Knights. The fact that the Kraken are much more competitive in their second season helps their cause.
