The Bruins didn’t exactly make life easy on themselves in Anaheim, but they still found a way to leave with a 4-2 win, a fourth straight victory, and a little history for Michael DiPietro.
Boston’s backup goalie got the nod for the front end of the back-to-back, and after a rough start he settled in and stole the show. DiPietro gave up two goals 21 seconds apart in the first period, then shut the door the rest of the way with 25 saves for his first career NHL win. The Bruins improved to 6-2-0 and also snapped a five-game skid against the Ducks.
The opening 20 minutes were ugly for Boston. Anaheim came out with the urgency you’d expect after its own embarrassing loss to Calgary on Tuesday night, while the Bruins looked flat and disconnected.
Tim Washe opened the scoring with 37 seconds left in the period on a flip shot from the point through traffic, and Beckett Sennecke followed 21 seconds later with a net-front tip. The Ducks outshot Boston 14-0 in the period, and without DiPietro it could have been even worse.
From there, though, the game flipped on special teams.
Boston’s power play had been scuffling badly entering the night, with just three goals on the season before Friday outside of the Utah Mammoth game nine days earlier. Then the Bruins finally got some traction.
Frederic Brunet got Boston on the board in the second period with a shot through a screen for his first career NHL goal, and the third period turned into a power-play showcase. David Pastrnak tied it by banging home a loose puck, then Elias Lindholm put Boston in front with another man-advantage goal, his second of the period.
Lindy lights the lamp 🚨 pic.twitter.com/vjA6mJfQ9E
- Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) October 17, 2026
The penalty kill did its part, too, especially with Nikita piling up three minor penalties, including two on the same play. Boston survived every Ducks chance, with DiPietro and the PK rescuing the Bruins from those mistakes.
After Lindholm’s go-ahead goal, Matthew Poitras finished the job with the kind of goal that stands out. He looked like he had sent James Hagens in alone, then got the puck back and beat Lukas Dostal to make it 4-2.
Lineup questions are still there, but Poitras is making a strong case to stick. Sean Kuraly, at least based on this one, might be waiting a while for another chance unless injury opens the door.
In Other News...
Jake DeBrusk Trade Buzz Could Create A Bruins Problem Nearby
Jake DeBrusk has been in the rumor mill since the March trade deadline, and the chatter has only kept his name in circulation as the offseason takes shape. The former Bruins forward, now with the Vancouver Canucks, was recently listed by Adam Gretz of Bleacher Report as a player who could fit with a handful of clubs, a group that also includes the Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings and Minnesota Wild.
From Bostons point of view, the most interesting part of the discussion may be what happens if DeBrusk lands in the Atlantic Division. Two of the teams mentioned are the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators, which would put a familiar face back in the Bruins neighborhood even if there is no indication of a reunion in Boston. The Bruins are expected to keep an eye on where he ends up, but the more immediate concern could be seeing him again in a setting that keeps the rivalry a little too close for comfort. [Read more 🡒]
Bruins Prospect Suddenly Faces A Concerning Boston College Setback
Boston College finally got a clean result, beating St. Cloud State 4-0 at home for its first win of the season, and Dean Letourneau helped make it look comfortable with an empty-net goal and an active night throughout. For Bruins fans tracking the Eagles closely, the game offered a useful reminder that there are still bright spots in the program even as the early-season roster has been tested.
Will Moore was not among them, however, as coach Greg Brown confirmed the injured forward missed his second consecutive game. Browns update points to a more cautious timeline than the Eagles would like, and it leaves Boston College waiting for a key piece to return while trying to build on a much-needed breakthrough. [Read more 🡒]
Bruins Comeback Featured A Breakthrough Boston Fans Will Love
The Bruins 4-2 comeback win over the Anaheim Ducks had the kind of depth and late-game poise that can carry a team through the early part of a season. Boston got goals from Elias Lindholm and Matthew Poitras to close it out, while David Pastrnak again showed up in a big moment by tying the game and continuing to add to his already important place in the franchise record book.
One of the nights best signs for Boston came from the blue line, where Frederic Brunet made an impact in a way the Bruins have been waiting to see. For a team trying to stack wins and build momentum before meeting the Los Angeles Kings next, getting contributions from across the roster is the sort of development that matters just as much as the final score. [Read more 🡒]