BOSTON -- It was a span of 13 games and over a month since Jake DeBrusk had scored a goal, so it had to feel like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders when he finally broke through his goal-scoring slump. DeBrusk scored Boston’s fourth goal of the game in the second period of Boston’s 6-3 win over the Chicago Blackhawks at TD Garden, and in doing so ended up with both the game-winner and a massive step toward regaining his own confidence.
“It’s something that’s long overdue and something that I needed to be honest with you. Obviously, I didn’t do my normal celly, but it was just nice to get on the board to help the team. You just try to build from there and put your best foot forward,” said DeBrusk. “[The slump] was very frustrating to be honest with you. It actually got to me a little bit, but at the same time I understood that there are peaks and valleys to your seasons.
“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, and when you get through it, it’s going to be a lot of fun and hopefully I’ve gotten through that. Obviously, going into the next game, it’s a different game don’t get me wrong, but for the first time in a while I’m feeling good right now.”
BRUINS 6, BLACKHAWKS 3
It had been a rough road for the 22-year-old DeBrusk over the last month given the lack of goal-scoring, and his overall lack of points, with just 14-5-19 totals in 47 games this season. DeBrusk added two more helpers to his total in Tuesday night’s, but the real highlight was his 15th goal of the season, when he redirected a David Krejci shot while camped in front of the net after an expiring B’s power play.
It was bad enough that Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy had dropped him down to the third line over the last few weeks as the goals and offense weren’t flowing. True to his past, though, DeBrusk responded to the challenge and had several offensive chances among his five shots on net, to go with the goal he scored. It was part of DeBrusk reuniting with David Krejci and Peter Cehlarik on Boston’s second line, and his head coach certainly liked what he saw.
PASTRNAK'S OUT -- NOW WHAT?
“The first period there he cut off the wing, something we hadn’t seen much in a while, [and he] went to the net. Those are the type of goals [and chances] that are going to get Jake get going. Use your foot-speed and attack the net because he’s got good hands in tight,” said Cassidy. “Krech [David Krejci] found him there. I think it was after the power play just finished, and he does a lot of dirty work in front for that group. So [it was] good to see him get one too. He’s a streaky guy. He’s still young, so I think it affects him mentally if you’re not on the score sheet. Hopefully, it’s a sign of more, but we’ll see.”
Boston Bruins
With David Pastrnak out for at least a few weeks, they certainly hope DeBrusk’s slump-busting performance was a sign of more things to come as the Bruins will need more offense from everybody up and down the lineup. It might not end up being DeBrusk on most nights, but he certainly has the talent to step up and help fill the void until 88 is back skating and scoring goals for the Black and Gold.
Click here to download the new MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the Celtics easily on your device.