Pavel Zacha Scores Overtime Winner, Bruins Claim Fifth Straight Victory
The Bruins secured a 3-2 overtime win against the Senators on Thursday night at TD Garden, marking their fifth consecutive victory. Pavel Zacha scored the decisive goal with just 5.5 seconds remaining in overtime, converting a pass from Charlie McAvoy.
Game Highlights
The Bruins avenged their heaviest defeat of the season, a 7-2 loss in Ottawa a week prior. The final minute of the overtime was intense, featuring a Bruins power play that lasted only three seconds. McAvoy played an exceptional shift, leading to several scoring chances and ultimately assisting on the winning goal.
Player Performances
- Charlie McAvoy logged a team-high 26 minutes, showcasing speed and skill during critical moments.
- Pavel Zacha netted his fourth goal of the season, finishing off the play initiated by McAvoy.
"Charlie made a hell of a play," said Bruins coach Marco Sturm. "For big win."
Zacha on overtime strategy: "He’s a great skater and he beat his guy and made it a two-on-one and then he made a great play. So, I think that’s something in overtime that he used his skill and took over."
Team Motivation and Outlook
The Bruins improved to 9-7 with their sixth win in seven games. The prior 7-2 loss proved to be a strong motivator.
"I think that was a big motivation for us," Zacha remarked. "We had a bad game there and lost pretty badly, so I think before the game we were motivated to give it back and I’m happy that we won."
Author’s summary: Pavel Zacha’s late overtime goal, fueled by McAvoy’s standout play, secured the Bruins’ fifth straight victory and avenged their recent heavy loss to the Senators.