Quick pulls into tie for American milestone

BOSTON — Jonathan Quick took a slice of history away from this 5-2 victory over the Bruins on Thursday by registering the 391st victory of his career that tied Ryan Miller for the designation of the winningest U.S.-born goaltender in NHL history.

“You know, it takes a lot to win one game, right, and you need coaching, four lines, six D, so I’ve been fortunate to play with a lot of great players,” Quick said after his 24-save performance. “I’m grateful for the work they’ve put in to allow me to achieve that.”

The veteran’s career accomplishments were a known quantity but coming off two consecutive down years that included last season’s rude dismissal by the Kings and subsequent trades to Columbus and Vegas, Quick’s present value was a question mark.

But the 2023 bargain free-agent signee has turned into an exclamation mark through the two-time Cup winner’s first season on Broadway that has earned the Connecticut native a one-year extension with a nice bump, but hardly as significant a bump as Quick has given the Blueshirts by going 16-5-2 with a .916 save percentage and 2.44 GAA.

The netminder was outstanding in the first period when the Bruins had their best session of the night. Quick’s biggest save came on Brad Marchand from point-blank range with 5:50 remaining and Boston holding a 1-0 lead.

“He was great the whole game but especially in the first period,” said emerging nation Braden Schneider. “Unreal, unreal guy, so glad he’s on our team.

“Legend. I can’t say enough good things about him. He’s an amazing player and an amazing person.”

➤ Peter Laviolette became the ninth person in NHL history to coach 1,500 NHL games with a career that began in the Boston organization as head coach of AHL Providence before joining the B’s as an assistant in 2000-01.

“I didn’t actually know it was tonight,” Laviolette, 798-523-179, said before the match. “I’ve said this before but I just feel fortunate.

“That’s a big number, though.”

➤ Matt Rempe returned to the lineup after a five-game absence and played a rather uneventful 5:11.