Oilers on torrid pace as Bruins search for winning edge

Edmonton Oilers center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) celebrates with the bench after his goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Seattle Kraken, Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) (Lindsey Wasson/AP)

The Boston Bruins will strive to get back in the win column as they kick off a five-game stretch against playoff-quality competition with the visiting Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night.

Following a 0-3-0 road trip that concluded Saturday in Toronto, the Bruins did come back from two goals down to collect one point in a 5-4 overtime loss to the New York Islanders the following night. Still, they remain winless since a 4-0 victory Dec. 28 at home against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The latest effort continued an up-and-down offensive stretch for the Bruins. They have posted two consecutive four-goal games after beginning the recent trip with tight 3-1 and 2-1 losses, all without a win to show for it.

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“For the most part, we didn’t do a very good job of doing what we do best,” Bruins forward Justin Brazeau said. “We’re a team that (thinks) defense first, so four should be enough for us to win on any given night.”

After the Bruins held a 1-0 lead, it was not until David Pastrnak’s two-goal third period to force overtime that they were level again. The comeback effort pleased interim coach Joe Sacco, whose team had previously won six straight home games.

“That was a sign of resiliency,” Sacco said. “We would have liked to capture that extra point in overtime, but ... considering the circumstances, I’m glad the guys hung in here right to the very end.”

Pastrnak is coming off what he called a “confident” game, having recorded his first multi-goal efforts of the season on back-to-back nights. He now leads the Bruins with 17 goals in 42 games, two ahead of captain Brad Marchand.

“Maybe luck wasn’t on (Pastrnak’s) side for a little while, but I think the chances have been there,” fellow forward Morgan Geekie said. “Obviously, the numbers maybe aren’t what they have been in the past, but we see the things he does on the ice and everything he brings away from the puck. It’s nice to see a couple go in (for him).”

Edmonton makes the cross-country trek to continue a four-game road trip following a 4-2 win Sunday at the Seattle Kraken, its third straight victory and 14th in the last 18 games (14-3-1).

The recent run has coach Kris Knoblauch feeling good about his team’s game.

“I think we’ve been getting better since the break,” he said. “We were not sharp, details were lacking, execution and puck skills were not what they needed to be.

“They continue to get better and better,” Knoblauch continued. “I think it starts with playing good defense and working out from there.”

Things have been clicking for several Oilers of late, including Leon Draisaitl, whose point streak reached 14 games with a goal and an assist against Seattle. He has logged 12 goals and 15 assists during that span, which is tied for the longest of his career.

“Whether it’s the power play, faceoffs or scoring goals, he’s been at another level,” Knoblauch said. “He stepped up in (Connor) McDavid’s absence (for three games in October and November) and he really hasn’t looked back.”

A linemate of McDavid, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has scored four times in the last five games, including each of the last three victories.

Nugent-Hopkins became the fourth Oiler to reach the double-digit goal plateau. Draisaitl (NHL-leading 29 goals, including nine game-winners) leads the club.

Those recent surges come as McDavid is pointless in consecutive games for only the second time this season.

“I’m just trying to trust the process, and obviously, it doesn’t always happen for you, so you just have to trust it,” Nugent-Hopkins said. “I’m trying to do the right things and rely on habits, and I’m taking advantage of some really nice plays by other guys, too.”