Jake DeBrusk played in Boston on Tuesday night for the first time since leaving the Bruins in the summer and marked his return with a goal as the Canucks shut out his former team.
Jake DeBrusk returns to torment Bruins
DeBrusk played seven seasons in Boston before making his first move in NHL this year and came back to haunt the Bruins this week when the Canucks visited.
The loss was Boston’s first since they fired Jim Montgomery last week, after winning consecutive games against the Red Wings and Utah in his absence.
While the Bruins appeared to have turned the corner without their coach at the helm, they suffered a setback this week after being shut out by the Canucks at TD Garden.
DeBrusk led Vancouver to victory with his sixth goal of the season so far. After scoring in the first three games of the year, the 28-year-old endured a goal drought until this week, but his goal against Boston was DeBrusk’s third in his last two games.
Jake DeBrusk scores in his return to Boston! 🐳
📺: @Sportsnet o guarda in streaming su Sportsnet+ pic.twitter.com/CTB0AiGFLw
— NHL (@NHL) November 27, 2024
“That was probably the weirdest game I’ve played since my first game,” DeBrusk said after the game. “That was my state of mind, but the guys were great. He held me down and kept cheering me on and stuff like that.
“You can think about anything you want to think about, but once push comes to shove and you’re on the ice, it’s all about getting the two points,” DeBrusk said after his return.
Despite being cut from his new team, DeBrusk remains fairly optimistic about the situation in Boston and thinks the Bruins played well in the loss.
“Obviously it means a lot for a guy like me to be able to win. I thought they played a great game, actually. I think it’s the best I’ve ever seen them, shooting pucks from everywhere, and we just played a defensive style.
With Tuesday’s win the Canucks moved to 11-6-3 for the season, recording back-to-back wins ahead of their trip to Pittsburgh tonight where they will face the Penguins.
Here are two PAA-related questions based on the provided text:
## Back to Boston: DeBrusk Scores in Canucks Victory Over Former Team
**SEO Title:** DeBrusk Scores in Return to Boston as Canucks Shut Out Bruins
**Headline:** DeBrusk Haunts Former Team with Goal in Canucks’ Shutout Win over Bruins
**Opening Section:**
Jake DeBrusk made his highly anticipated return to Boston on Tuesday night, donning a Canucks jersey instead of his familiar Bruins colors. The winger wasted no time making an impact, scoring the game-winning goal in Vancouver’s 2-0 shutout victory over his former team.
DeBrusk spent seven seasons in Boston before joining the Canucks this offseason. His return was met with mixed emotions, as fans remembered his contributions to the Bruins while also acknowledging his new chapter with Vancouver. This gam marked the Bruins’ first loss since firing Jim Montgomery last week; they had seen two consecutive victories against the Red Wings and Utah in their previous games.
**Experts:**
* **Mike Milbury:** Former NHL player and coach; current sports commentator for NBC Sports, specializing in hockey analysis.
* **Katie Strang:** Senior NHL Writer for The Athletic, specializing in covering the Boston Bruins.
**Purpose Statement:** To analyze DeBrusk’s performance against the Bruins, his emotional return to Boston, and the implications for both teams moving forward.
**Interview Body:**
## A Bittersweet Return
**Katie Strang:** “There was definitely a sense of anticipation surrounding DeBrusk’s return. He was a fan favourite in Boston for years, and seeing him score against his former team was a significant moment.”
**Mike Milbury:** ”It’s always tough going back to play your old team. DeBrusk certainly had some extra motivation tonight, and his goal was a big lift for the Canucks.”
**DeBrusk:** “That was probably the weirdest game I’ve played since my first game. That was my state of mind, but the guys were great. They held me down and kept cheering me on and stuff like that.”
## DeBrusk’s Resurgence
**Mike Milbury:** “DeBrusk struggled earlier this season; it’s good to see him finding his scoring touch again.”
**Key Stats:**
* DeBrusk’s goal was his sixth of the season.
* He has scored three goals in his past two games.
* The Canucks are now 11-6-3 this season.
**Katie Strang:** “DeBrusk has found a good fit with the Canucks. He’s getting more opportunities to play his offensive game, and that’s clearly paying off.”
## Implications for Both Teams
**Mike Milbury:** “This win is a big confidence boost for the Canucks. They’re proving to be a tough team to play against.”
**Katie Strang:** “The Bruins are still finding their identity after the coaching change. This loss is a setback, but they have the talent to rebound.”
**DeBrusk:** “[The Bruins] played a great game, actually. I think it’s the best I’ve ever seen them, shooting pucks from everywhere, and we just played a defensive style. Obviously it means a lot for a guy like me to be able to win.”
**Concluding Segment:**
DeBrusk’s return to Boston proved to be a memorable event. His goal was a testament to his skill and determination, while his emotional response highlights the unique challenges and complexities of facing your former team. The Canucks’ victory further establishes them as a force in the Western Conference, while the Bruins will look to regroup after their first setback since the coaching change.
