The Boston Bruins defeated the Anaheim Ducks 4-2 on Friday night, October 16, 2026, completing an impressive comeback after falling behind by two goals. Elias Lindholm delivered a decisive third-period performance, David Pastrnak scored a crucial power-play goal, and Boston extended its winning streak to four games.
The Bruins improved to 6-2-0 on the season, while the Ducks dropped to 4-3-0 after suffering their third consecutive home loss. Boston’s late surge at Honda Center highlighted the team’s offensive depth and ability to respond under pressure.
Bruins vs Ducks Score and Game Recap
Final score: Boston Bruins 4, Anaheim Ducks 2
Anaheim appeared to be in control after scoring twice in the final minute of the first period. Tim Washe opened the scoring with a long shot that found its way through traffic, beating Bruins goaltender Michael DiPietro.
Just 20 seconds later, Beckett Sennecke doubled the Ducks’ advantage by finishing an excellent passing sequence involving Cutter Gauthier and Nikita Nesterenko.
Boston responded in the second period, with defenseman Frederic Brunet scoring his first NHL goal on the power play. The goal came in the 23-year-old’s sixth NHL game and gave the Bruins renewed momentum.
Pastrnak then tied the game with his 423rd career goal, moving ahead of Brad Marchand for fourth place on Boston’s all-time scoring list. The power-play finish came after a give-and-go with Lindholm.
Boston completed the comeback in the third period, scoring twice to secure the 4-2 victory.
Elias Lindholm Powers Boston’s Third-Period Comeback
Elias Lindholm was central to the Bruins’ turnaround. After helping Pastrnak score the equalizer, Lindholm found the net himself to give Boston its first lead of the game.
During a power play, Anaheim failed to cover Lindholm, allowing him to redirect a pass from Pavel Zacha into the net with 11:39 remaining.
The goal shifted the momentum firmly toward Boston, which continued applying pressure in the closing minutes.
Matthew Poitras sealed the result with a goal with 3:40 left in regulation. James Hagens recorded his second assist of the night on the play, adding another positive contribution to Boston’s performance.
The Bruins’ four-goal response demonstrated their ability to capitalize on special teams and finish scoring opportunities when the game was on the line.
David Pastrnak’s Power-Play Goal Makes History
David Pastrnak played a key role in the Bruins’ victory, scoring the equalizer on the power play.
His 423rd career goal moved him past former teammate Brad Marchand for the fourth-most goals in Boston Bruins history. The milestone added significance to an important moment in the game.
Boston’s special teams proved decisive after Anaheim struggled to convert its own opportunities. The Bruins also benefited from Brunet’s first NHL goal, which helped them recover from their early deficit.
The combination of experienced scorers and emerging young players continues to give Boston multiple ways to generate offense.
Michael DiPietro Makes 25 Saves for the Bruins
Michael DiPietro delivered a solid performance in his second start of the season, making 25 saves to help Boston complete the comeback.
Although the Bruins conceded twice late in the opening period, DiPietro and the defense settled down as the game progressed. Their improved performance helped prevent Anaheim from extending its advantage.
At the other end, Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal stopped 18 shots. Despite his efforts, Anaheim could not contain Boston’s third-period attack.
DiPietro’s contribution was particularly important as the Bruins continued their strong start to the season.
Anaheim Ducks Struggle After Fast Start
The Anaheim Ducks began the game with plenty of energy and created some of the best chances during the opening period. Washe and Sennecke rewarded that pressure with two quick goals.
However, the Ducks were unable to maintain their advantage after Boston scored in the second period. Their failure to capitalize on a four-minute power play also proved costly.
Anaheim has now lost three straight home games while allowing 13 goals during that stretch.
Captain Mikael Granlund missed the matchup because of an upper-body injury. Cutter Gauthier moved to center for the first time in his NHL career, filling a different role in the lineup.
Despite the defeat, Sennecke continued his productive start to the campaign by recording his fifth goal of the season.
Bruins vs Ducks Stats and Key Performances
Here are the major figures from the October 16 matchup:
- Final score: Bruins 4, Ducks 2
- Boston record: 6-2-0
- Anaheim record: 4-3-0
- Michael DiPietro: 25 saves
- Lukas Dostal: 18 saves
- David Pastrnak: Power-play goal, career goal No. 423
- Elias Lindholm: Game-tying assist and go-ahead goal
- Frederic Brunet: First NHL goal
- Beckett Sennecke: Fifth goal of the season
- Matthew Poitras: Late goal to seal the victory
The game also attracted 17,174 fans to Honda Center in Anaheim.
Where to Watch Bruins vs Ducks Highlights on ESPN+
Fans looking for Bruins vs Ducks highlights can check the NHL’s official video coverage and ESPN’s hockey highlights. ESPN+ availability depends on the broadcast rights and the viewer’s location, so fans should check their local streaming listings for access to the game or replay.
The highlights feature Boston’s comeback, Pastrnak’s power-play goal, Lindholm’s go-ahead finish, and the Ducks’ two first-period goals.
What’s Next for the Bruins and Ducks?
Boston will look to continue its winning run when it visits the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday. The Bruins will aim to carry their offensive momentum into another road matchup.
The Anaheim Ducks are scheduled to visit the New York Rangers on Monday. Anaheim will need to tighten its defensive play and improve its special-teams execution to get back on track.
Final Takeaway
The Bruins vs Ducks matchup ended with a 4-2 Boston victory, powered by Elias Lindholm’s third-period heroics and David Pastrnak’s milestone goal. Michael DiPietro provided important support in net, while Frederic Brunet and Matthew Poitras helped complete the comeback.
For Boston, the win marked a fourth consecutive victory and reinforced its strong early-season form. For the Anaheim Ducks, the loss highlighted the importance of sustaining momentum after a promising start and protecting leads against experienced opponents.
Leave a Reply