Boston Bruins

2 elite assists helped the Bruins win Game 4 against the Maple Leafs

David Pastrnak's no-look pass setup Brad Marchand's go-ahead goal.

Bruins Maple Leafs Hockey
Brad Marchand celebrates his goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs via David Pastrnak's assist. Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP

By Hayden Bird

1 minute to read

The Bruins won a crucial Game 4 against the Maple Leafs in Toronto on Thursday night, and the difference in a close 3-1 playoff contest was partly down to two specific passes.

The first was a no-look masterpiece from David Pastrnak. The second was a perfectly weighted dish from David Krejci. Both passes assisted decisive goals, helping Boston take a 3-1 series lead.

The first came after almost 17 minutes – and a sustained barrage of Toronto pressure – in the second period. With the score tied 1-1, Pastrnak broke out quickly to force a two-on-one with Brad Marchand. The 21-year-old feigned a shot before craftily sliding the puck across to Marchand, who fired into a wide open net:

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The second of the two pristine passes happened in similar circumstances. Krejci looked up on another two-on-one to find Jake DeBrusk, floating a precise saucer pass onto his teammate’s stick. DeBrusk had more to do with the finish than Marchand, but he still managed to find the net:

Without Patrice Bergeron, the Bruins found a way to win away from home. Needing only one more victory to clinch the series, Boston now heads back to TD Garden for a Saturday night Game 5.