B's Enter Break on High Note After Defeating Leafs

TORONTO -Pavel Zacha scored twice and the B's snapped their three-game losing streak in a big way with a 5-2 win over the Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday night.
"It was about us getting back to our standard and our team identity," said coach Jim Montgomery. "That's a really good hockey team that we were able to beat on the road."
Here are some news and notes from the victory in Boston's final game before the All-Star break:

Dynamic Domination

The B's have been saying all season that they have so many different ways to score, so many weapons, and when someone is having an off night there are always others who are there to pick them. That was on full display on Wednesday night at the Scotiabank Arena.
After a scoreless first period, Derek Forbort started things off at 6:37 of the second period with a shorthanded tally finishing a nice pass from Charlie Coyle after a strong forecheck from Trent Frederic to put the B's up 1-0. Although Leafs star Mitchell Marner answered on the power play just under three minutes later, Brandon Carlo stepped up to give the B's the lead back entering the third period when he potted one from the side of the net with 7:27 to go in the second.
"Like we've talked about before, those are always nice for me since I'm not a huge goal scorer," said Carlo. "It definitely added a little bit of a boost of confidence throughout that game.
As for what it means to be able to contribute in any way the team needs on any given night, Carlo said he is happy to help. "We all want to contribute in that aspect when we can and it's great when you do get the result from it," he added. "I think it gives the rest of the guys a boost as well."

A.J Greer notched his fifth goal on the season just two minutes into the third on a nice feed with a nice shot from the left-wing circle as he was hooked by Toronto's David Kampf. Jakob Lauko, playing in his first game with the big club since Nov. 3, started the play in the Bruins' end by digging a puck out along the wall and chipping a feed to Greer in the neutral zone.
"It felt amazing," said Greer. "It was a great play from Lauko on the wall and I just kept moving my feet and got good body position in front of their player so he had to let me go and let go of a stick and gave me a chance to shoot the puck."
With this being Lauko's first game back since November, Montgomery and the whole team was happy to see him find some success. "That's what I love about our team," said Montgomery. "Everybody on the bench was happy for A.J. but also complimenting Lauko."
Linus Ullmark, who is headed to Florida for the All-Star Game this weekend, was stellar as usual, stopping 33 of the 35 shots he faced to head into the break with a league-leading 26 wins, 1.90 goals against average, and .937 save percentage.
"He got us in the game, he was there, and then we took over a bit and had a couple of goals, but he does that almost every game for us the whole season. He's a great goalie to have," said Pavel Zacha.

More Points for Pav

Zacha has been an absolute weapon for the Bruins, and the win in Toronto was no different. Zacha notched back-to-back goals in just three minutes, 11 seconds in the third period, giving the B's some breathing room to close out the game.
"I think that line is very dynamic," Montgomery said of the trio of Zacha, David Krejci, and David Pastrnak. "It's one of the most creative lines in the league."
Zacha has been on fire since signing his contract extension on January 14 with six goals and 10 points in nine games since signing. For the season, he checks in with 11 goals, 24 assists and 35 points in 51 games. He is now just one point shy of tying his career high in points set last year with New Jersey.

Into the Break

The B's will now enjoy a well deserved break, with Pastrnak and Ullmark making their appearance at All-Star weekend at FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, Florida, and others spending downtime with family and friends. When it comes to a "bye for now" message, Montgomery - who will also rep the Bruins in Sunrise - kept it short and sweet.
"I said, 'Congrats on a great first half, it's been fun,'" said Mongomery. "I said, 'But we have to get better and I know we will get better because of the professionalism and the work ethic that's in that locker room...and enjoy the break.'"
The B's will be back in action on February 11 at TD Garden to take on the Washington Capitals.