Top 10 Games Countdown: No. 10

Our look back at the top 10 Bruins games of the 2019-20 season thus far is presented by Mimecast.
BostonBruins.com - The Bruins made sure their first trip to Nassau Coliseum this season would be a memorable one, shutting out the New York Islanders, 4-0, on Feb. 29.

No one had a more memorable night than hometown boy Charlie McAvoy, who led the team with three points after notching two assists early in the game and scoring his fourth goal of the season late in the third. After going 51 games without a goal to start the season McAvoy capped off the month of February with all four of his goals and nine assists for 13 points in 14 games.

"Just trying to play a part of it," said McAvoy, a native of Long Beach, New York. "Overall, it was a great win. Nice to contribute one and score one here. Grew up coming here as a kid. That one's special."
McAvoy wasn't the only defenseman to find the scoresheet, either - the second pairing of Torey Krug and Brandon Carlo finished the night with three helpers, while Matt Grzelcyk tacked on a goal of his own with a wrist shot to close out the first.
"Might be the first time all year that we outnumbered [the forwards on the scoresheet], but that's what you need," said McAvoy. "Sometimes you win by committee and guys stepping it up and making plays."

"Ultimately, I think the effect of [scoring] is when you play solid defensively, you get more chances offensively, not only for us, but for the forwards," added Krug. "You get the puck in the right spot and you push it to the forwards, and then you're able to be a second wave of attack.
"I think we all just focused on our end of the ice first and we were lucky enough to contribute."
The blue liners did their part to take care of both ends of the ice, with Boston limiting the Islanders to 12 shots through 40 minutes. Tuukka Rask turned away all of them, in addition to 13 in the third period, for a perfect 25-save night and his fourth shutout of the season.
On the front end, David Pastrnak notched his 47th goal of the season to kick off scoring, while Brad Marchand scored his 27th halfway through the third. Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci and Marchand each picked up assists on the night as well.
"I thought we took advantage of the ice that was available," head coach Bruce Cassidy said after the game. "Got in on the attack or in behind them, and our defense kept pucks alive. We're a pretty mobile group back there, so we encourage that."
The win in New York kickstarted the Bruins' sweep of a three-game road trip that ended with a 2-1 win against the Tampa Bay Lightning and an overtime win against the Florida Panthers, and eventually ending in a four-game win streak.

Video: McAvoy, Rask help Bruins shut out Islanders

Notable quotes

Cassidy on the blue liners' contribution: "I want [the defense] to be a part of it. I think that's encouraging. Somedays, [Patrice Bergeron's] line, [the opponent is] gonna check them hard, so the defense has got to be involved. We certainly encourage it, not at the cost of let's trade chances all night up and down the ice.
"But when there's an opportunity to get up there and keep it alive or join the rush, just pick your spots. I think they did a real good job with that tonight."
Zdeno Chara on playing the Islanders, where he started his career: "It's always nice to come back and see them for a little bit. Kind of go back to the old times, and we had some good memories. Definitely these are some people who I will always be thankful to, because they helped me out a lot early on in my career, made some adjustments. It's always nice to see them and catch up some."
Krug on the efforts of the defense: "We've always had the green light. As long as we're taking care of our net, then coach will give us the green light every single time. Time and score, appropriate timing.
"Third period if you have a lead, probably not. Charlie scores a goal late, but we just try to make the right reads at the appropriate time and try to contribute as much as we can."