Bruins Blow Two-Goal Lead, Lose to Devils in OT, 4-3

Boston's playoff hopes take a hit with disappointing loss to struggling New Jersey team.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:06am

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The Boston Bruins squandered a 2-0 first period lead and ultimately lost 4-3 in overtime to the New Jersey Devils. After goals from David Pastrnak and Pavel Zacha gave the Bruins an early advantage, the Devils rallied to tie the game in the second period and then won it on a Paul Cotter breakaway goal in the extra session. The loss was a missed opportunity for the Bruins, who are fighting for a playoff spot, to pick up two crucial points.

Why it matters

The Bruins' inability to hold onto leads and capitalize on power play opportunities has been an issue all season, and this loss to a non-playoff team like the Devils is a setback in their quest to secure a postseason berth. With the playoffs rapidly approaching, the Bruins need to find a way to close out games and improve their special teams play.

The details

The Bruins jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period on goals from David Pastrnak and Pavel Zacha, but the Devils stormed back in the second period with goals from Connor Brown and Jesper Bratt to tie the game. In the third period, Paul Cotter gave the Devils their first lead, but Pastrnak scored his second goal to even the score. The game went to overtime, where Cotter scored the game-winner for New Jersey.

  • The Bruins took a 2-0 lead in the first period.
  • The Devils scored twice in the second period to tie the game at 2-2.
  • Cotter gave the Devils a 3-2 lead early in the third period.
  • Pastrnak scored to tie the game at 3-3 and send it to overtime.
  • Cotter scored the game-winning goal for the Devils in overtime.

The players

David Pastrnak

A star forward for the Boston Bruins who scored two goals in the game.

Paul Cotter

A forward for the New Jersey Devils who scored the game-winning goal in overtime.

Jesper Bratt

A forward for the New Jersey Devils who scored the game-tying goal in the second period.

Joonas Korpisalo

The starting goaltender for the Boston Bruins.

Jacob Markstrom

The starting goaltender for the New Jersey Devils.

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What’s next

The Bruins will look to bounce back quickly as they travel to Montreal to take on the Canadiens on Tuesday night.

The takeaway

This loss is a missed opportunity for the Bruins to gain ground in the playoff race, and it highlights their continued struggles with holding leads and converting on the power play. With the postseason rapidly approaching, the Bruins need to find a way to close out games and improve their special teams play if they want to secure a playoff spot.