Backes’ first goal ’was a beautiful sight’
MONTREAL ---- After his goal was called back on Friday night, it seemed David Backes might never catch a break.
On Saturday in Montreal, he made his own break.
The veteran forward has been plagued by injuries since joining the Bruins last season and has struggled to find a rhythm. Since being matched with Chris Wagner and Sean Kuraly as the bottom three forwards, there’s been a bit of a spark.
His first goal was overturned against Pittsburgh, sending him back to square one. But Saturday night he put the Bruins ahead 1-0 in enemy territory after he picked the pocket of Habs rookie Jesperi Kotkaniemi in the offensive zone and wristed his first tally of the year.
His celebration was one of a player for whom it’s been a long time coming.
“It was a quick play for me where I got the puck, I could see a hole and then I just shot it as hard as I could,” he said. “It was a beautiful sight in my mind to see the puck go into the net off my stick. I had a little primal scream when I got back to the bench to finally get it out of me. It feels good to score, but I think the story is that it was a great team win today.”
Backes’ big night wasn’t over with a goal, either. He took a high stick from Jonathan Drouin late to draw the Bruins a four-minute power play.
Despite being cut, he was right back on the ice for the man advantage, and it was his initial shot that created a rebound for John Moore to win it for the B’s.
“I don’t mind bleeding,” said Backes. “Bleeding is better than concussions to me. I think if that’s what it takes to win, I’ll take blood.”
To finally break out, Backes picked the most opportune of times.
“He needed it,” said Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy. “There’s no doubt. He’s been close. For his own sake, a guy that’s scored in this league it starts to weigh on you. He’s admitted himself that he was squeezing the stick, so maybe it open the floodgates for him.”
Tuukka steps up
For the first time since returning from his leave of absence, Tuukka Rask earned a win on Saturday night in Montreal.
It wasn’t easy. It took 31 saves and the Habs tied things up with two quick strikes in the third. But, when the Bruins needed him, Rask stepped up big.
“I thought it was a pretty entertaining game,” said Rask. “I mean, probably not the most fun to play goalie. A lot of chances both sides. But, you know, both teams played hard and I’m just happy we won.”