Boston Bruins Extend Home Winning Streak with Overtime Victory Over Kings
The Boston Bruins secured their 13th consecutive home victory with a 2-1 win over the Kings, thanks to Charlie McAvoy's overtime goal just 39 seconds into the extra period. Jeremy Swayman made 14 saves to help seal the win for the Bruins. Mason Lohrei broke the scoreless tie in the third period, but the Kings equalized with a goal from Drew Doughty that deflected off Elias Lindholm. This marked the seventh consecutive overtime game between the two teams in Boston.
In the overtime period, Mark Kastelic's defensive play led to a long pass to David Pastrnak, who set up McAvoy for the game-winning goal. Despite taking a puck to the mouth earlier in the game, McAvoy's backhand shot beat Kings goalie Darcy Kuemper. Kuemper made 21 saves for the Kings, who are chasing a wild-card spot in the Western Conference, while Swayman earned his 25th win of the season for the Bruins. Boston has not lost at home since before Christmas.
Following the game, Kings forward Anze Kopitar, a future Hall of Famer, stayed on the ice to shake hands with the Bruins in what is likely his last game in Boston. The victory kept the Bruins in the East's second wild-card spot, maintaining their strong home record and playoff position.