What a wild Sunday for Boston fans. If you got your heart broken by the Celtics in the afternoon, David Pastrnak and the Bruins dominating an outdoor game at Lake Tahoe was the perfect remedy. Pastrnak, looking fully healthy, buried 3 on the night to give the Bruins a 7-3 win over the COVID-depleted Flyers.
A win on all fronts
The domination started well before the puck drop. The Bruins took the whole experience of playing outside to a whole new level – starting with their travel gear. The late 80’s/early 90’s gear straight out of Hot Tub Time Machine was electric. Pastrnak led the way with his Macho Man Randy Savage sunglasses. Brad Marchand’s fire flames blue jumpsuit was a thing of beauty. Patrice Bergeron had a 1990 Bruins Playoff T-Shirt under a pastel jacket with a fanny pack strapped around some perfect 90’s denim.
Pastrnak got the party started just 34 seconds into the game and came full circle by getting his hat trick with under 3 minutes left in the already decided game. In between those 2 goals, Trent Frederick got his first NHL goal, Charlie Coyle got his 3rd of the season, McAvoy had a pretty goal from the point, Nick Ritchie with an awesome tip out front, and oh yeah, Pasta scored as well. From start to finish, the Bruins crushed the Flyers.
Logistical issues
The logistics of the 2 outdoor games got all messed up due to the weather in California. Usually most of the NHL outdoor games, which has been played at Fenway in the past, have gone off without a hitch. Unfortunately this time around, the sunny California weather caused problems for the NHL and it’s staff. Two games were slated to be played at 12pm local time (3pm EST) on Saturday and Sunday. The Las Vegas Knights/Colorado Avalanche game started on time on Saturday but was delayed after one period of play due to poor ice conditions.
The game was resumed at midnight more than 8 hours after puck drop. The sun was melting the ice which lead to puddles of water accumulating all over. Due to the Saturday game, the Bruins/Flyers Lake Tahoe game was rescheduled to 4:30pm local time (7:30EST) on Sunday. That game experienced a 15-20 minute delay at the beginning but otherwise was smooth sailing afterwards. The backdrop of pine trees, a big lake, and mountains was in itself amazing. Then add in a sunset, and what a sight. The first half of the first period was tough to see anything on TV and I think tough to see on the ice too, especially for the goalies. 4 goals came within the first 10 or so minutes of the game.
Nostalgia
The broadcast talked a lot about these players growing up and skating on the frozen ponds in Canada, Northeast, and Northern Midwest. I highly recommend anyone buy a used pair of skates and get skating outside while it’s still winter. One of my favorite outdoor activities in the winter. Pack a cooler of beers, bring a speaker, call your buddies and get down to the pond for some old fashioned 3on3 games. Pro move – bring a firepit too. Guaranteed good time.
The Bruins play next at the Nassau Coliseum vs the Islanders on Thursday night. They need the rest from the west coast travel. And they probably partied like it was 1990 last night in Lake Tahoe. Go B’s!
