Bruins Beat Red Wings: Clinch Wild Card Spot, Pastrnak & Lindholm Lead the Way

Nikita Zadorov scored the travel-ahead goal in the third period as the Boston Bruins defeated the Detroit Red Wings 3-2 on Thursday, securing a crucial two points in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

Zadorov’s long shot, his second goal of the season, broke a 2-2 tie at 9:42 of the third, giving Boston the lead. Elias Lindholm had previously leveled the score at 6:22 with a wrist shot, after Alex DeBrincat had put Detroit ahead 2-1 earlier in the period.

Morgan Geekie recorded three assists, and David Pastrnak and Lindholm each contributed a goal and an assist for the Bruins, who have earned points in five consecutive games (3-0-2). The victory moved Boston two points ahead of Detroit for the first wild card spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Eastern Conference.

Despite the win, Boston remains tied in points with the Montreal Canadiens for third place in the Atlantic Division, though the Canadiens have played one fewer game. The Canadiens defeated the Bruins 3-2 in overtime on Tuesday, with Cole Caufield scoring the decisive goal.

“We’ve been down in the third period a couple of times lately, but there’s no quitting in this team,” Lindholm said. “We just stay with it and keep playing the same way, and we seem to uncover ways to win.”

Geekie’s performance drew praise from Bruins coach Jim Sturm, who highlighted the forward’s development beyond scoring. “He’s learned a lot this season about the things he needs to do other than scoring,” Sturm said. “When he does those things, like he did tonight, I’m always happy to see him get rewarded.” Geekie has accumulated seven points (two goals, five assists) in four games against the Red Wings this season.

For the Red Wings, DeBrincat and Lucas Raymond scored, while goaltender John Gibson made 23 saves, including a stop on a penalty shot attempt by Lukas Reichel. Detroit coach Todd McLellan acknowledged a strong performance from his team, despite the loss.

“I liked our game — I think if we play that game over again and get some puck luck, we might score a few more times,” McLellan said. “But you also have to tip your cap to the goaltender for playing a great game.”

The Red Wings hold a one-point lead over the New York Islanders for the second wild card position in the Eastern Conference. Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider emphasized the team’s focus on controlling its own destiny. “No team is going to aid us down the stretch,” Seider said. “In the last couple of years, we counted on other teams to help us, but now we are in a position to take care of it ourselves.”

The Canadiens are scheduled to visit the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday, a game that could further reshape the Atlantic Division standings.