Bruins lost out to Vegas Golden Knights making the former Boston coach Bruce Cassidy’s comeback a success. This was thanks to Reily Smith who scored in the fifth round of the shootout to beat the Bruins 4-3. This put an end to Bruin’s NHL record for victories on their home turf and gives Golden Knights a season at 14 games Monday night.
57-year-old Cassidy was shown the door after participating in 5 ½ seasons in June. The Bruins were trounced by Carolina in the opening round of the playoffs. However, Bruce Cassidy had his moment of truth when just eight days after he was replaced, he was hired by the Vegas Golden Knights.
Dominated by two of the top three gunning teams, Western Conference led by Vegas started with a lead of 3-0 on the back of two goals, one by Cotter and the other by Marchessault. This was the first time the Bruins’ defense looked weak by conceding three goals in the game this season.
However, Bruins commenced their comeback trail when Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak scored just within six minutes. This goal-setting trend was later upped by Taylor Hall when he deftly deflected a shot past the goalie Logan Thompson. Smith was left with one goal to his credit when he shot a forehand runner passing Jeremy Swayman.
Cassidy helmed Boston’s coach in April 2016. Before this, he was made interim coach on Feb 7, 2016. His teams made it to the playoffs all six seasons. They also got a shot at playing in the 2019 Stanley Cup Final when they conceded the seventh game against St. Louis.
Vegas pictured in the 14th road win of this season coming on par with Dallas Stars.
Welcome back, Bruce Cassidy!
Bruins replayed video footage of Bruce Cassidy on the Jumbotron later in the day that voiced the line ‘Welcome Back Bruce’. He was also accorded high applause from the thronging crowd and acknowledged the same by waving back at them.
The Bruins’ winning streak on home turf equaled Chicago Blackhawks’ way back in 1963-64. Before the shootout, Thompson made 40 saves in comparison to the 21 made by Swayman.