“It kind of surprised me, to be honest. I had lost the puck, and then all of a sudden it was right there. Thankfully, I didn’t have too much time to think,” Mittelstadt said. “I think it probably wasn’t the prettiest hockey we’ve played this year, but you could tell that the fight and the want to win were there. Guys sacrificed themselves, winning battles, and Sway making big saves. It’s fun to be part of a team that’s putting its body on the line and doing whatever it takes.”
The B’s shut it down for the next 40 minutes, keeping Pittsburgh off the board until the final buzzer. The penalty kill got some action, too, going 4-for-4 against the third-best power play in the league. The PK was a point of emphasis for the Bruins during their practices the past two weeks, and it has gone 7-for-7 since returning from the Olympic break.
“We did [a] few changes. I think [Chris Kelly] came in with some good energy. Helping us out, putting us in good spots to succeed. Obviously, it helps when you have Swayman and Korpi playing the way they’ve been playing,” said Hampus Lindholm, who is on the first penalty-kill unit.
“We’ve been fighting through some adversity this year, obviously, people doubting us, and they still do. I think we have some quiet confidence in this room here. We just try to get out there and play for each other. When you have goalies and everyone buying in, it’s fun to be part of.”
Swayman, as he did all night, made some key stops in the final moments of the contest as the Bruins protected their one-goal lead. He earned the first star of the game in front of a roaring TD Garden crowd.
“It’s excitement. It is really fun to come to the rink. Understand that we have a real chance at our ultimate goal. That’s something that we can really rally around this time of year,” Swayman said. “We get through this week, and we know that we’re pushing together, all for each other, and obviously for this incredible fanbase.”
The Bruins are back in action on Thursday when they face the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena.
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