He did not see a goal in the opening two thirds of the match. The spectators in the TD Garden arena saw the first goal only in the 50th minute – to the displeasure of the home fans, Swede William Nylander opened the scoring in favor of Toronto. Moments later, however, things were much more cheerful in the home of the Bruins. One minute and 21 seconds later, another Swede equalized, this time Hampus Lindholm.
The match did not find a winner in regular time and had to be decided in extra time. In the 62nd minute, Lindholm, the scorer of the equalizing goal, put the puck into the attacking third. The puck bounced off the corner of the bar directly onto Pastrňák’s stick and he beat the Toronto goalkeeper with a brilliant bluff. And the Boston arena erupted with joy and celebrated the advance. The Czech hockey player was subsequently announced as the first star of the match.
David Pastrňák’s decisive goal in the seventh game of the playoff series. Video: NHL.com
Boston is still hoping to win the Stanley Cup following thirteen years. The problem lately has been the very first opponent. Two years ago, they were knocked out of the first round of the playoffs by Carolina, and a year ago they were shut out in the opening series by Florida. Just like this year, the seventh match was decided in these meetings, as the Bruins did not convert the first two match points and the series was 3:3 from 3:1. This year, however, they can already celebrate progress. In the second round, they will meet the Panthers, who eliminated them a year ago.
The match was watched more closely in the Czech Republic because of possible reinforcements for the national team for the world championship in Prague. The star Pastrňák and Pavel Zacha from Boston were in the mix, or Jakub Lauk might also be talked regarding. Given the result, it is certain that this will not happen at least before the start of the championship.
On the other hand, the opportunity to defend the colors of the Czech Republic at the home World Cup opens up for striker David Kämpf, whose club season with Toronto ended today.
1st round of NHL playoffs: Eastern Conference – 7th match: Boston–Toronto 2:1 in overtime. (final state of the series: 4:3) Goals: 51. H. Lindholm, 62. PASTRŇÁK – 50. W. Nylander. Shots on goal: 31:31. Spectators: 17,850. Stars of the match: 1. PASTRŇÁK, 2. Swayman (both Boston), 3. Samsonov (Toronto). Final score of the series: 4:3.
