Bruins Defeat Maple Leafs 5-3, Minten Shines Against Former Team

UPDATE: The Boston Bruins secured a thrilling 5-3 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on October 21, 2023, marking their sixth consecutive win. In a standout performance, Fraser Minten scored against his former team, while goaltender Jeremy Swayman made 30 saves to keep Boston ahead.

The Bruins showcased their offensive prowess with contributions from Morgan Geekie, who netted a goal and an assist, along with goals from Viktor Arvidsson, Michael Eyssimont, and David Pastrnak. Despite missing top defenseman Charlie McAvoy due to personal reasons, Boston dominated the ice.

Toronto struggled defensively, with Anthony Stolarz allowing four goals on just 19 shots before being replaced by Dennis Hildeby, who made 19 saves in relief. The Maple Leafs managed goals from Nick Robertson, Matias Maccelli, and John Tavares, but could not keep pace with the high-flying Bruins.

Boston took a critical 3-2 lead during a power play in the second period. Eyssimont’s shot was subject to video review, confirming it barely crossed the line beneath Stolarz’s pad. Just moments later, Pastrnak delivered a highlight-reel goal that sealed Stolarz’s fate for the night.

Tavares answered late in the period with a power play goal, but Minten’s late tally with just over three minutes remaining secured the win for the Bruins. The game featured a notable moment when Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov delivered a crushing hit on Scott Laughton, leading to a fight with Maple Leafs winger Bobby McMann. Laughton, who had recently returned from injury, did not return after the incident.

This matchup marked Minten’s first game against Toronto since being traded to Boston last season. He was a key piece in the trade that sent defenseman Brandon Carlo to the Maple Leafs, adding an emotional layer to his performance.

The two teams combined for three goals in just 38 seconds early in the first period, showcasing the intensity of the game—an event that highlighted the fastest scoring sequence by two teams this season.

Looking ahead, the Bruins will host the Maple Leafs again on Tuesday night, while Toronto prepares to face the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday. As the season progresses, both teams are vying for momentum, making every game critical.

Stay tuned for updates as the NHL season unfolds. For the latest in sports news, visit AP NHL at https://apnews.com/hub/nhl.