Bruins Extend Home Winning Streak to 12 Games

Boston defeats Washington 3-1 behind strong performance from second line

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Boston Bruins (35-22-5) bounced back from a recent loss with a 3-1 victory over the Washington Capitals (31-25-7) on Saturday. Pavel Zacha scored on the power play, while Viktor Arvidsson netted the game-winning goal in the third period. The win extended the Bruins' home winning streak to 12 games, a streak they hope to continue as they battle for a playoff spot.

Why it matters

The Bruins have struggled at times this season, but their ability to win consistently at home has been a key factor in keeping them in playoff position. Their second line, featuring Arvidsson, Zacha, and Casey Mittelstadt, has been a driving force behind the team's recent success, providing scoring depth and strong two-way play.

The details

Pavel Zacha opened the scoring with a power-play goal in the second period, but the Bruins' power play unit has not been as effective since returning from the Olympic break. Viktor Arvidsson scored the game-winning goal in the third period, with Mittelstadt providing the assist. The Bruins' penalty kill has been strong, going 14-for-15 since the break.

  • The Bruins extended their home winning streak to 12 games on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
  • The Bruins will look to continue their strong play at home when they take on the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday, March 8, 2026.

The players

Pavel Zacha

A forward for the Boston Bruins who scored the opening goal on the power play in Saturday's game.

Viktor Arvidsson

A forward for the Boston Bruins who scored the game-winning goal in the third period of Saturday's game.

Casey Mittelstadt

A forward for the Boston Bruins who assisted on Arvidsson's game-winning goal.

Charlie McAvoy

A defenseman for the Boston Bruins who emphasized the importance of every game down the stretch.

Marco Sturm

An assistant coach for the Boston Bruins who discussed the team's power play and penalty kill performance.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Every game we play the rest of the way is the most important game of the year.”

— Charlie McAvoy (Boston Hockey Now)

“I think it's playing in front of our own fans. Just how we get ready for the games. It's just been working for us. I think always home is a little bit [of an] advantage, but I think for us this year, we just want to play at home, get the crowd into it, and it always helps.”

— Pavel Zacha, Forward (Boston Hockey Now)

“Our line is playing well. We're sticking together and playing a good brand of hockey.”

— Viktor Arvidsson, Forward (Boston Hockey Now)

“It's a good mix. They play against the top lines in the league; they shut them down, but also find ways to score. And because they're all different, it seems like, and all have pretty good hockey IQ, they've all been around a long time. I think it's just a combination that fits very well. And that's why they've been my most consistent line all year long.”

— Marco Sturm, Assistant Coach (Boston Hockey Now)

“Amazing add to our team. He's been playing great. The second line is kind of is the pretty much the only line that has been together for the whole season. They got chemistry right from the hop from the beginning of the year, and there's nights that they win the games for us.”

— David Pastrnak (Boston Hockey Now)

What’s next

The Bruins will look to extend their home winning streak to 13 games when they take on the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday, March 8, 2026.

The takeaway

The Bruins' ability to win consistently at home has been a key factor in their push for a playoff spot this season. Their second line, featuring Arvidsson, Zacha, and Mittelstadt, has been a driving force behind the team's recent success, providing scoring depth and strong two-way play.