The Boston Bruins took on the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2023 NHL Winter Classic. This was an outstanding matchup to start as two incredible hockey franchises came together in a great celebration of our sport.
With amazing Hall of Famers on both sides, it was always going to be an incredible game. Once the players hit the ice, it lived up to the hype. For most of it, the two teams played defense well and got some good saves from their goaltenders.
Triston Jarry got the start for the Pittsburgh Penguins, but he injured himself in the first period. Casey DeSmith came in relief and played outstanding.
The Pittsburgh Penguins took a 1-0 lead when Kasperi Kapanen took advantage of a great play made by Danton Heinen and Jeff Carter. They held that lead for a while.
The Boston Bruins earned a big win over the Pittsburgh Penguins at Fenway.
Finally, at 7:46 of the third period, the Bruins finally prevailed. Jake DeBrusk scored a goal to get the game tied. Brad Marchand made a good play to find DeBrusk down low who didn’t miss his chance.
About ten minutes later, Jake DeBrusk scored again off an amazing play made by Taylor Hall who made a power move to get the puck to the front of the net. The Bruins took a 2-1 lead and did not relinquish it. Evgeni Malkin came close in the end but it did not work.
This was an incredible game between two franchises that have a lot to be proud of. That was especially true today when you think about what these two have contributed to the league as a whole. Add this game to a long list of great moments between them.
With this win, the Bruins extend their lead over the rest of the league in the race for the Presidents’ Trophy. As for the Penguins, these are tough two points to lose as they try to hang on to their spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Linus Ullmark deserves some extra praise for the Boston Bruins. He gave up the one goal to Kapanen but was incredibly solid for the rest of the game. There were a lot of chances that he shut down.
The Penguins did a good job playing their game exactly the way that they wanted to. They were just beaten on two plays and by some great goaltending.
Both of these teams believe they have what it takes to play well in 2023 and get into the playoffs with a chance to win the Stanley Cup. If the Winter Classic is any indication, they will both be right. It was a very good game that hockey fans will remember for a long time.