Rookie scores 2 as Boston advances

BOSTON — Jake DeBrusk watched the tie-breaking goal go into the net from ice level, sliding into the boards on his backside after he was flattened by Toronto defenseman Jake Gardiner.

The Bruins’ rookie didn’t have time even to climb up off his knees before he was mobbed by teammates.

“Jake had a real coming-out party in the series,” head coach Bruce Cassidy said after DeBrusk scored twice to help Boston beat the Maple Leafs 7-4 on Wednesday night and advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals.

“He scored going to the net, dirty areas,” said Cassidy, whose team opens the second round against the Lightning in Tampa Bay on Saturday. “That’s always the first thing: Play inside, be willing to get hit, fight for your space. That’s playoff hockey. They weren’t freebies. They’ve been real greasy, as advertised.”

Five years after rallying from a three-goal, third-period deficit and beating Toronto in Game 7 of their first-round series, the Bruins again scored four straight goals to eliminate the Maple Leafs. DeBrusk gave Boston the lead with 14:35 to play.

The teams were tied or separated by one goal for the first 2½ periods, until David Pastrnak made it 6-4 with 8:21 to

play. Brad Marchand flipped one into the empty net with 51 seconds left.

“For entertainment value, that was probably one of the better Game 7s you’ll see,” said Boston goalie Tuukka Rask, who stopped just 20 of 24 shots. “It was only a one-goal game going into the third, and we shut it down and scored some good goals.”

Danton Heinen scored his first NHL postseason goal, Patrice Bergeron had a goal and two assists, and David Krejci had three assists for the Bruins. In his first NHL postseason action, DeBrusk had seven points in seven games.

“Uh, it went pretty well,” he said with a laugh. “Obviously, with the win it was special — something I’ll never forget. I’ll never forget this series just in general, first playoffs. I was really happy to contribute.”

Frederik Andersen had 29 saves for the Maple Leafs, who have not won a playoff series since 2004.

“It’s always disappointing,” said former Sharks forward Patrick Marleau, who scored twice for Toronto. “To fall short once again, it’s heartbreaking every time.”