Shorthanded Bruins shut out East-leading Lightning
The Boston Bruins keep finding ways to get the job done.
Without a host of key players, the Bruins went into Tampa Bay on Saturday and came out with a 3-0 win over the Eastern Conference-leading Lightning.
It marked the first time this season that the Lightning failed to score a goal in game, with their last shutout coming against Boston on April 4, 2017.
This time around, the Bruins did it while missing Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chara, Charlie McAvoy, and Jake DeBrusk to injury, and losing David Backes in the first period with a laceration above his knee.
Stepping up in their absence was Tuukka Rask, who made 23 saves for his third shutout of the season, as well as Torey Krug, who recorded three assists.
Not only did the Bruins prevent Tampa Bay from clinching a playoff spot, they also moved to within two points of the Lightning, with a game in hand.
The Atlantic Division is far from settled and these two clubs will face off twice more before season's end - March 29 in Boston, and April 3 in Tampa Bay.
Buckle up.