Bruins Collapse in the Third as Blackhawks Storm to Victory with Flurry of Goals
BOSTON — In a game between two of the NHL’s storied franchises enduring disappointing seasons, the Chicago Blackhawks stunned the Boston Bruins with a third-period onslaught, scoring three goals in just 94 seconds to claim a 5–2 victory Thursday night at TD Garden.
The loss, yet another frustrating chapter in the Bruins’ rollercoaster season, came despite a strong start and a standout performance from David Pastrnak, who continues to close the season with a hot hand.
Boston took an early lead and appeared to be in control heading into the final period. But a catastrophic defensive collapse and a barrage of goals from familiar faces — all former Bruins — flipped the game on its head and handed the Blackhawks a much-needed win in a season that’s offered little joy for either side.
Strong Start, But the Wheels Fall Off
Boston opened the scoring midway through the first period, thanks to a powerful effort from David Pastrnak, who buried his opportunity at the 10:39 mark. Elias Lindholm recorded the assist, continuing his recent run of solid play since returning from injury. It was exactly the kind of opening the Bruins were hoping for — tight, disciplined hockey with their stars producing.
However, that momentum didn’t last long.
Early in the second period, former Bruin Nick Foligno tied the game for Chicago, netting the only goal of the frame. It was a classic grinding effort from the veteran forward, who seemed determined to make a statement against his former club.
The teams went into the second intermission deadlocked at one apiece, with both sides looking for a spark in the final 20 minutes.
Blackhawks Blitz Bruins in Third Period
Whatever message was delivered in the Chicago locker room during the break clearly worked.
The Blackhawks came out swinging in the third and turned what had been a closely contested game into a blowout with shocking speed. In less than two minutes, they scored on three consecutive shots to take a commanding 4–1 lead — leaving the Bruins and the home crowd in disbelief.
The flurry began with Ryan Donato, another ex-Bruin, who slipped one past Jeremy Swayman to give Chicago its first lead of the night. Just over a minute later, Tyler Bertuzzi — also formerly of Boston — beat Swayman again to double the lead.
If Bruins fans were still catching their breath, Kevin Korchinski made it worse, scoring just 24 seconds after Bertuzzi. While not a former Bruin himself, his goal piled on to an already painful stretch for Boston, which suddenly found itself down by three.
A Glimmer of Hope, but No Comeback in Sight
To their credit, the Bruins tried to push back.
Morgan Geekie scored his 31st goal of the season, assisted once again by Pastrnak, narrowing the deficit to 4–2. For a moment, the energy inside TD Garden seemed to flicker back to life, but the Bruins couldn’t capitalize on the momentum.
Despite a few late chances, Boston was unable to mount a real comeback. Chicago held firm defensively and eventually sealed the game with Foligno’s empty-net goal, his second tally of the night, putting the contest out of reach and finalizing the 5–2 scoreline.
Swayman Struggles, Bruins Head on the Road
Goaltender Jeremy Swayman made 17 saves in the loss but faced an unforgiving sequence in the third period, where defensive breakdowns and well-placed shots quickly erased any chance of victory. The defeat leaves more questions for the Bruins as they approach the end of the regular season.
Next up, Boston hits the road for one final away game on Sunday, facing the Pittsburgh Penguins in what will be a critical matchup for pride and momentum. They return home on Tuesday to close out the regular season against the New Jersey Devils.
Takeaways
- David Pastrnak continues to be a bright spot, adding another goal and assist.
- Former Bruins Foligno, Donato, and Bertuzzi all scored for the Blackhawks.
- Boston’s defense unraveled in the third period, allowing three goals in under two minutes.
- The Bruins’ postseason hopes, already slim, take another hit as their inconsistency continues.
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