Bruins’ Coach Credits ‘Goalie Bob’ for Key Shootout Decision!
In a thrilling showdown against the Washington Capitals on Saturday night, an unexpected hero emerged to clinch a 3-2 shootout victory for the Boston Bruins. Kevin Shattenkirk, who had been sidelined for five of the Bruins’ last seven games, sealed the deal with a precise wrist-shot snipe past goaltender Charlie Lindgren in the fifth round of the shootout.
Shattenkirk’s game-winning goal came as a surprise to many, considering his recent limited playing time and minimal offensive contributions against the Capitals. However, Bruins coach Jim Montgomery revealed that it was goalie coach Bob Essensa who made the pivotal decision to send Shattenkirk onto the ice for the decisive shootout attempt.
“Goalie Bob is the one that called Shatty,” Montgomery disclosed to reporters in Washington D.C. post-game. “He goes, ‘Shatty would be a good matchup.’ And he was right.”
But what prompted Essensa to choose Shattenkirk for such a crucial moment? Montgomery explained, “Because Shatty’s good on breakaways. And he can place the shot really well.”
Indeed, Shattenkirk’s shootout prowess was evident as he entered Saturday’s game with a respectable 15-for-43 record (35%) and 11 game-deciding goals in shootouts.
Shootout Shatttyyyyyy 🗣️🗣️ pic.twitter.com/OG894t8uXh
— x – Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) March 31, 2024
Reflecting on his decisive moment, Shattenkirk shared with reporters his strategy of sticking to his “normal move” after observing Jake DeBrusk’s successful shootout goal earlier in the match. Spotting an opportunity on Lindgren’s glove side, Shattenkirk executed his shot with precision, ensuring victory for the Bruins.
With two days of rest before their next game, the Bruins will travel to Nashville to face the Predators on Tuesday night at Bridgestone Arena. Subsequently, they will conclude their road trip with a matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday before returning home for a Saturday matinee against the Florida Panthers.
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