Taylor Hall scored in the fourth round of the shootout as the Boston Bruins edged past the visiting Anaheim Ducks for a 2-1 win Thursday night.
After the previous six combined attempts were unsuccessful, Hall beat Anaheim goaltender John Gibson five-hole to give the home team an extra point.
Hall also scored Boston’s lone goal of regulation in the second period.
Boston goaltender Linus Ullmark totaled 30 saves, including 11 in the third period and five in overtime before a perfect shootout. A highlight came when he stopped Ryan Strome’s breakaway with 1:14 remaining in the extra session.
Ullmark denied Max Comtois on the final shootout attempt.
Massachusetts native Frank Vatrano scored the only Ducks goal.
Gibson made 35 saves. His busiest period was a 13-shot first.
The teams were a combined 0-for-9 on the power play. Anaheim had a late chance that carried into overtime, while Boston drew a man-up opportunity in the final minute of overtime.
Prior to Thursday, Anaheim had lost three consecutive games — all on the road — since opening the season with an overtime victory.
Boston was 3-0-0 prior to Tuesday’s 7-5 loss at Ottawa.
The Bruins looked to jump in front 4:10 into the first period, but Jake DeBrusk’s rebound tally off a 2-on-1 with Pavel Zacha was taken away after Anaheim successfully challenged for offsides.
Despite the goal coming off the scoreboard, Boston dominated the opening 20 minutes to the tune of 13-5 shot advantage.
Hall broke a three-game pointless streak and lifted Boston to a 1-0 lead at 2:31 of an even second period. After a strong shift by his line, Hall slotted a loose puck over Gibson’s shoulder after the Anaheim goaltender played it right into the left circle.
It didn’t take long for the Ducks to respond as they knotted the score at 6:03. Mason McTavish fed Vatrano for a one-time goal coming down the right side.
Boston defenseman Matt Grzelcyk and forward Jack Studnicka made their season debuts.
Grzelcyk, who recovered from offseason shoulder surgery, recorded his first point with an assist on Hall’s goal.
–Field Level Media
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