Top 10 Games Countdown: No. 9

Our look back at the top 10 games of the 2019-20 season is presented by Mimecast.
BostonBruins.com - There was plenty to celebrate during the Bruins' shutout victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on Dec. 3 at TD Garden.
Not only was it Boston's eighth straight win and 12th consecutive game with at least a point, but it also marked Jaroslav Halak's 49th career shutout in his 500th career game, while David Krejci picked up his 200th career goal, making him just the 19th player in Bruins history to hit that milestone.
Halak, subbing in for ace netminder Tuukka Rask, once again showed off his tremendous value as he stopped all 24 shots he faced in the 2-0 win to improve to 7-1-3 on the season with a .934 save percentage and 2.14 goals against average

"I think it's a really good accomplishment for any goalie," said Halak, who became just the 74th goalie in NHL history to play in 500 games. "Particularly [after] finding myself three or four years ago in the minors. I just tried to focus on what's now and what happened in the past, happened in the past. I'm just glad I am a part of this group because it is a special group and we are so close, and we keep proving it on ice.
"We stick to the game plan for 60 minutes. Tonight, we did. And for the most part, we do. We believe even if it's a tie game or we are down by one or so we still believe that we can come back and win."

While Halak held off the Hurricanes, it took until late in the third period for his teammates to get on the board with some support. Charlie Coyle struck with 4:05 remaining in regulation when he tapped home a feed from Brad Marchand at the top of the crease.
"It shows that we're conditioned, and we have will, both," Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said of his team's strong finishes. "We know how to play when the game is on the line. We're still focusing on our start. I didn't think it was poor tonight by any means…piecing together 60 minutes. But you've seen here, the home games, we've really stepped it up when we needed to. It's the sign of a good team."
Just 1:08 after Coyle's winning marker, Krejci added some insurance, tipping a Charlie McAvoy point shot by Carolina goalie James Reimer for goal No. 200. It was the centerman's 16th point (5 goals, 11 assists) in 13 games.
"I'm happy for him," said Cassidy. "He's an unselfish guy, would rather pass first, look after his teammates that way. Nice goal to score, going to the net, too. Both of them were like that. Eventually, we got some separation. Took us a while, but tight-checking games, so good for David. Good guy, good pro, good teammate. Happy for him."

Notable Quotes

Sean Kuraly on the play of Halak: "He's just been a rock in there. The team's playing no different no matter who's in there. It's a credit to him how he steps in and plays and sometimes not in the most ideal of situations. He's just been solid and a really good teammate. It's been fun to have him."
Cassidy on Halak's 500th career game: "Might as well get it with a shutout, right? Good for him. He battles hard in there. In my opinion, he's a No. 1 goalie in this league - he's proven that. He plays great for us, gives us a chance to win every night.
For a coach, for players out there, knowing it doesn't matter who goes in the net, you're going to get quality goaltending, give us a chance to win and more every night.
"I think the guys are real happy for Jaro. He's a guy that battles in practice, too, for the guys as he takes those extra shots when he needs to. I thought he was real good tonight."
Krejci on scoring his 200th career goal: "It is just a number at the end, not something that I am particularly interested in, or chasing. I am just happy we won…I'm here to help the team…I haven't really thought about it yet."

By The Numbers