In Game 3 of their first-round series, the Boston Bruins emerged triumphant over the Toronto Maple Leafs, securing a 2-1 series lead. The game was characterized by increasing tension and physicality, with several skirmishes breaking out throughout the match. Toronto’s Ryan Reaves initiated the physical play with a clean hit on Pavel Zacha, while Parker Wotherspoon retaliated with a hard check on Calle Jarnkrok. Maple Leafs captain John Tavares rushed to Jarnkrok’s defense, but was quickly dealt with by the Bruins. The Bruins had an early opportunity to score when Simon Benoit was penalized for delay of game, but Ilya Samsonov denied scoring chances from Charlie McAvoy, Jake DeBrusk, and David Pastrnak. Wotherspoon temporarily exited the game after blocking a shot from Joel Edmundson but returned to help kill Toronto’s first power play. The Bruins had the best scoring chance during a two-minute penalty kill when Danton Heinen sent Zacha in alone, but Samsonov stopped his forehander. Jarnkrok also had a good chance for Toronto, but Jeremy Swayman made a great save. The Bruins gained momentum after the penalty kill and had several scoring opportunities, including one from Pastrnak that was blocked by Edmundson. Zacha was later penalized for tripping Morgan Rielly, but the Bruins’ penalty kill unit held strong, preventing any shots on goal. Auston Matthews nearly scored the first goal of the game on a two-on-one, but his shot hit the post. Pastrnak was penalized for hooking Tavares, but the Bruins again escaped unscathed thanks to Swayman’s saves on Matthews and Connor Dewar. Pat Maroon narrowly missed his first goal of the series, but Max Domi drew his ire by bumping Swayman after the whistle. The Maple Leafs finally broke the deadlock when Mitch Marner set up Matthew Knies for a goal. However, the Bruins responded quickly, with Trent Frederic tying the game before the end of the second period. Marchand broke the tie in the third period, and an empty-net goal sealed the win for the Bruins. Game 4 of the series will be played on Saturday night.
Bruins Take 2-1 Series Lead in Heated Game 3
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