Bruins Extend Home Streak
Boston Bruins notched their 12th consecutive home victory with a 3-1 win over Washington, potentially spoiling Alex Ovechkin's final career appearance at TD Garden. Viktor Arvidsson scored the go-ahead goal as Boston's defense limited the Capitals' chances. The win solidifies the Bruins as one of the toughest teams to beat at home this season.
This 12-game home stretch is the Bruins' longest since they reeled off 14 straight wins at TD Garden during their record-setting 2022-23 season. The franchise's all-time record for consecutive home victories is 22, a feat accomplished between the 1929-30 and 1930-31 seasons. Boston has not lost on home ice since a 6-2 defeat to Montreal on December 23rd. The win pushed the Bruins six points ahead of the Capitals in the Eastern Conference playoff standings, solidifying their hold on a wild-card spot. Goaltender Jeremy Swayman, who made 22 saves in the 3-1 victory, noted the importance of this time of year and how the team is rallying around it. The two teams are set to face each other again in Washington on March 14. Viktor Arvidsson's decisive goal came from a backhand pass from Casey Mittelstadt. The other Bruins goal was scored by Pavel Zacha on a power play, with assists from David Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy. Elias Lindholm added an empty-net goal to seal the victory. The game was Washington's first since trading longtime defenseman John Carlson to the Anaheim Ducks before the trade deadline. Carlson had been with the Capitals for nearly 17 seasons. The loss was the Capitals' third straight.
