Bruins' third line proves Boston can win games when David Pastrnak isn't at his best

The Bruins' third line still has plenty to prove, especially Tanner Jeannot, but their efforts in Game 2 of the season are a great start.

The Boston Bruins made a valuable point on Thursday night against the Chicago Blackhawks, which should give them plenty of confidence for the rest of the season. While the experts want to say their only hope of winning games this season will be David Pastrnak putting them on his back, the middle-six forward group stepped up in a big way to give the team a 2-0-0 record.

The Bruins' first powerplay unit did score a big goal to start the third period, but it wasn't the best night for Pastrnak and his linemates offensively. Instead, the third line caught fire in the middle of the second period and carried the team on Thursday.

The trio took a tough minus when the Blackhawks took a 2-1 lead after the puck deflected off Tanner Jeannot and into the net as he tried to block a shot, but he redeemed himself with a great net-front presence that led to the tying goal. It was made possible by Mikey Essiymont, who had an impressive individual effort to get free for a slot shot.

Jeannot passed the eye-test against the Blackhawks, but he also looked good from an analytical standpoint. HockeyStatCards had him as the fifth-most effective Bruin skater on Thursday night, behind only Elias Lindholm, Pavel Zacha, Mason Lohrei, and David Pastrnak.

Jeannot was nearly the hero late in the third period off a beautiful feed from Fraser Minten, but Arvid Soderblom made a pad save to keep the game tied.

While Jeannot was a force, Minten also brought an impressive effort. He had three shots, four hits, and the overtime winner. The winning goal showcased all the good qualities in his game, as he was in the right spot defensively to get a takeaway 200 feet from Soderblom, and then skated the puck all the way down the ice before looking off Morgan Geekie and firing home the winner.

If the third line brings that kind of effort every night, the Bruins will be a much tougher team to beat.

Ben Johnson Admits Jayden Daniels Inspires ‘Fear’ Ahead of Commanders Game

The Chicago Bears mission Week 6 — and they’ve got no choice but to accept it — is to contain reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels.

Last October, the Commanders quarterback beat the Bears with a last-second 52-yard heave to Noah Brown, capping a night in which he went 21-of-38 for 326 yards and a touchdown, plus 52 rushing yards. The “Fail Mary,” as it became known, completely changed Chicago’s season, and now, they have an opportunity to get Washington back — but it won’t be easy.

A year later, Daniels looks just as dangerous, and Washington’s offense is humming. After missing time early, Daniels returned in Week 5 to throw for 231 yards in a 27–10 win over the L.A. Chargers, while the ground game is rolling behind rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt.

Now under new head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears are looking to flip the script, but Johnson know his team will have its hands full with Daniels.

Bears HC Ben Johnson Comments on Washington QB Jayden Daniels: ‘He’s Dangerous’

GettyBears coach Ben Johnson said some very good things about Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels.

“He’s dangerous,” Johnson said about Daniels heading into the matchup. “I think that’s a big reason why their running game is what it is. He strikes a lot of fear in opposing coaches, because you look at him, you’ve got to account for him. Not just as an accurate passer, not just as a scrambler, but the quarterback driven run game that they do a lot of. He’s fast, slippery — it’s going to take all 11 guys playing disciplined football to make sure we contain their attack.”

Chicago is allowing 29.3 points per game through four games (that’s 28th in the NFL) but they’re ranked 31st against the run, allowing 164.5 yards per game. With Daniels and the Commanders ranked first in rushing (156.4 yards per game), the Bears could be in big trouble — but Johnson’s not overlooking Daniels’ arm, either.

“Jayden’s an extremely accurate thrower of the football,” the Bears coach said. “Something that I think is overlooked when you look at him because he is so dynamic with his legs, and he hurts teams so much on the ground as well.”

Return of DB Kyler Gordon Should Give Bears Defense Huge Boost

The return of Kyler Gordon should be a huge help for the Bears. Chicago’s top nickel corner is expected back Monday night, and his presence alone should give Daniels something extra to worry about.

Gordon gives defensive coordinator Dennis Allen more flexibility in how he’ll attack Washington’s offense. Allen’s scheme leans on disguised coverages and simulated pressures, and Gordon’s instincts and range will allow Chicago to mix its looks without exposing soft spots underneath. He’s also heck of a weapon as a blitzer off the edge.

“Hopefully it allows us to unlock a few things on defense,” Johnson said about Gordon’s return.

“He’s one of our bigger playmakers. I’ve got a lot of experience being on the opposing sideline from him and ton of respect of how he can impact the game. I think there’s only a handful of nickels in this league that you really have to account for both as a coverage player, but also a guy that likes to be nosy on the run game and could be part of the solution for us here in terms of shoring up our run game as well.”

It’s clear Johnson and company revere Daniels’ game a great deal. We’ll see if they can do enough to beat him this time around.

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