The Bruins played like they had a point to prove Thursday night. They made quick work of the Anaheim Ducks at TD Garden for their first victory since Oct. 31, 2013 over the squad from Orange County.
In the process, David Krejci recorded his 600th NHL point, while David Backes and Torey Krug notched their 300th and 200th assists, respectively.
“Well listen, it’s a team game but individually these players, you know, obviously enjoy having a certain level of success and that, you know, if the individuals are having success, it breeds team success and vice versa,” Bruce Cassidy said following the 3-1 victory over Anaheim.
“So I’m happy for all those guys, you know. Krejci and Krug have been great Bruins for a number of years. Backes not as long as those guys but a great NHL player for a long time so, it’s nice to see them healthy. Krejci looks good this year and we’ve had a few hiccups in the past, setbacks, but this year he’s been good. Backes as well now. You see his skating legs, particularly in the past 3-4 weeks you see a much more effective player for us. Krug’s always been productive, it’s a tough start for him in terms of his injury. They’ve proven they’re good players in the league so I don’t see that changing as long as, like I said, they can stay out of the medical room.”
Krug recorded his 199th assist as a member of the Bruins Monday night in Montreal — tying him with Mike O’Connell for the most by any US-born player in team history.
Fast forward to Thursday night and the Livonia, Michigan native exited TD Garden with sole possession of the prestigious record. Krug notched the milestone with a beautiful no-look assist to David Pastrnak on the power play that broke the scoreless deadlock midway through the second period. He added a power play goal of his later in the middle stanza.
“He’s a great playmaker, he makes passes that you wouldn’t expect. He can catch you off guard on the penalty kill just like he did tonight,” Krejci said about the former Michigan State defenseman. “He’s been making lots of great plays, so good for him.”
Krug wasn’t the only one with a notable achievement. Krejci got in on the fun as well and sent a one-timer past Anaheim goalie John Gibson for career point No. 600.
“That’s a nice number,” the 12-year vet said. “I have been fortunate enough to play with really good players so I can’t just give credit to myself.”
And he’s right about playing with some of the best in the business. Krejci has stepped in and filled Patrice Bergeron’s role on the top line almost seamlessly. Cassidy admitted that he has a tough decision ahead on whether to keep Krejci in the lineup when Bergeron returns.
For now, Krejci, Pastrnak and Brad Marchand have reformed the NHL’s “best line.”
“We’re just sticking with the game plan keeping things simple, really paying attention to little details,” Krejci said. “We’re getting to the net. Defensemen are doing a really good job of jumping in the play and getting shots to go in the goal, and that helps a lot.”
The Bruins will look to set another milestone of three consecutive victories during Saturday’s home tilt with the talented Nashville Predators.
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