Boston Bruins star David Pastrnak set a strong message to his teammates, including Brad Marchand, after scoring the agonizing game winner against the Calgary Flames.

Boston Bruins player David Pastrnak, from Czech Republic, at a game against the Calgary Flames in Calgary, Alta. on Fri., Feb.21, 2020. © IMAGO / Larry MacDougalBoston Bruins player David Pastrnak, from Czech Republic, at a game against the Calgary Flames in Calgary, Alta. on Fri., Feb.21, 2020.

The Boston Bruins turned the page after a horrid start to their roadtrip through the Pacific Division. Following whooping losses to Winnipeg and Seattle, the Bruins leaders David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand rallied the team and have taken down Vancouver and Calgary.

Interim coach Joe Sacco deserves much credit for his work since being called up following Jim Montgomery’s firing. Since he took over behind the bench, Boston is 9-4-0 and back among the top teams in the NHL.

After trailing 3-1 heading to the final frame, the Bruins tied the game 3-3 and sent it to overtime in the third period. With 38 seconds left in overtime Pastrnak scored the game-winner off a nice wrist shot from the slot. It was Boston’s second win over Calgary on the season, in as many meetings. Both ended in 4-3 overtime victories for the Bruins.

After the game, Pastrnak sent a strong reminder to his teammates, including Marchand, who registered an assist and extended his current point streak to seven games.

David Pastrnak #88 of the Boston Bruins warms up prior to playing against the Toronto Maple Leafs in an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on March 4, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

David Pastrnak #88 of the Boston Bruins warms up prior to playing against the Toronto Maple Leafs in an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on March 4, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

“You play until the last whistle every single game,” Pastrnak stated, per NHL.com. “We obviously went through some hard times already during the season so it’s important to show that we can learn and we’re not going to give up and we’re going to fight.”

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Pastrnak continues red hot form

Coming off a four-point night during the 5-1 victory over the Canucks, Pastrnak played a pivotal role once again for the Bruins as they defeated the Flames. The Czech winger totals 12 goals and 21 assists through the season, leading the team in assists and points (33).

Sacco makes admission on coaching job

The news of Montgomery’s dismissal from Boston came as a shock to most within the organization. However, in hockey, the show must go on. Interim coach Joe Saccofaced the challenge of addressing a disappointed locker room and lifting morale, knowing the season was far from over.

“When the change happened, obviously, it’s shocking for everybody, right?” Sacco commented, via NESN. “You lose a really good coach, even a better person. And then you say, ‘OK, it’s my job. It’s my opportunity to help this team get back to where we think it should be at that particular time.‘

“Even though it’s a different role, you still have to be who you are. There’s more on your plate. You have more things to deal with now than you did as an assistant, an associate coach.”

Although it’s a small sample size, Sacco has been successful at his task and the Bruins are back on their feet. While Sacco may not be the long-term solution for the team’s coaching vacancy, he’s earned the benefit of the doubt as the team heads into the halfway point of the season. Next, Sacco and the Bruins will travel further north within Alberta to take on the star-studded Edmonton Oilers.

Vancouver Canucks head coach Rich Tocchet issued a blunt statement after the loss to the Boston Bruins, led by Brad Marchand.

Brad Marchand #63 of the Boston Bruins talks with David Pastrnak #88 before the Bruins home opener against the Chicago Blackhawks at TD Garden on October 11, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. © Maddie Meyer/Getty ImagesBrad Marchand #63 of the Boston Bruins talks with David Pastrnak #88 before the Bruins home opener against the Chicago Blackhawks at TD Garden on October 11, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts.

The Boston Bruins walked into Rogers Arena and handed the Vancouver Canucks a whooping 5-1 loss. The Canucks had no answers for Brad Marchand and the Bruins as they cruised to victory. Vancouver was held scoreless until the third period where they cut the lead down to 5-1 but couldn’t build on it. After the crushing defeat, Vancouver coach Rick Tocchet sent a straightforward message to his team.

Boston got back on the win column after two embarrassing losses to kickstart their five-game roadtrip. The Bruins needed a big win to regain momentum and they did just that against the Canucks.

Vancouver couldn’t build on their shutout 4-0 win over the reigning NHL champions, the Florida Panthers, and were on the losing side when hosting the Bruins. Following the deflating loss, Tocchet made a bold admission on the team’s performance at home.

“I don’t know why but guys are tense at home for whatever reason,” Vancouver coach Rick Tocchet said, via NHL.com. “We seem a little bit more relaxed on the road. To make a play here, for some reason, we’re getting it and we just want to punt it as soon as we get it.”

Boston Bruins center Brad Marchand (63) skates during the National Hockey League game between the New Jersey Devils and the Boston Bruins on May 3, 2021 at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.

Boston Bruins center Brad Marchand (63) skates during the National Hockey League game between the New Jersey Devils and the Boston Bruins on May 3, 2021 at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.

“Let’s face facts here, four or five guys, they’re struggling. They’re struggling to get emotionally invested in the game, and that’s my job, to get these guys (invested). This is a game, a sport, the NHL, where you have to be jacked up to play the game. You have to be emotionally in the game. Sometimes guys are taking like 30 minutes to get into the game for whatever reason.“

Brad Marchand opens the scoring

After worrisome outings against Winnipeg and Seattle, Boston got back on track with an excellent offensive performance. Marchand kickstarted the party with a power play goal in the first period.

As the Bruins had been booed for their lackluster special teams play, Marchand responded by celebrating his goal, putting his hand to his ear. “Definitely needed a response,” Marchand said. “That’s what good teams do.”

Joe Sacco’s postgame comments

Joe Sacco continues to build onto his resume with the Bruins, since taking over behind the bench on November 19, Boston boasts an 8-4-0 record. While the losses have been by wide-margins and concerning, the team has shown a great ability to bounce back.

Brad Marchand #63 of the Boston Bruins looks on during the first period of the game against the Calgary Flames at TD Garden on February 25, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts.

“We needed to respond in here tonight, and we did it in a big way tonight,” Sacco said, per NHL.com. “It was just a solid team effort. Everybody contributed in their own way, and it started with our leaders and our top players. They certainly set the example how we want to play and that’s where I like most about it, and the fact that we kept the puck out of our net. We did a good job defending.”

Boston will stay on the road for their upcoming matchup with the Calgary Flames on December 17. On Dec. 19, one month after Sacco’s appointment as interim coach, the Bruins will close out their roadtrip against the Edmonton Oilers.