NHL Highlights: Blackhawks and Bruins Secure Key Wins

Jeremy Swayman stopped 26 shots for his fifth consecutive victory, leading the Boston Bruins to a 3-2 win against the Montreal Canadiens in a heated matchup. The Bruins improved their record to twelve wins and eight losses, marking their eighth win in nine games.

This victory came despite the loss of defenseman Charlie McAvoy, who suffered a mouth injury after being struck by a slap shot during a power play. The incident occurred midway through the second period when a one-timer from Noah Dobson deflected off Bruins forward Mark Kastelic before hitting McAvoy, causing him to fall to the ice while covering his face.

Teammate Nikita Zadorov was seen trying to retrieve McAvoy's lost teeth as he quickly left the ice for medical attention. The game saw an aggressive start with Zadorov and Montreal's Jayden Struble dropping the gloves at the opening faceoff, followed by another fight between Bruins forward Tanner Jeannot and Canadiens enforcer Arber Xhekaj shortly after.

Viktor Arvidsson, Marat Khusnutdinov, and Mason Lohrei scored for the Bruins, while David Pastrnak contributed two assists, extending his point streak against Montreal to eleven games, a feat only accomplished by Bruins legends Bobby Orr and Herb Cain.

For the Canadiens, Cole Caufield and Jake Evans found the net, but the team fell to ten wins and six losses, suffering their third straight loss on home ice. Sam Montembeault, the Canadiens' goalie, made 20 saves during the game.

The first goal came from Khusnutdinov at eight minutes and thirty-eight seconds into the first period, answered by Evans with a shorthanded goal later in the period. Lohrei gave the Bruins a lead early in the second with a shot through a screen, and Arvidsson extended that lead with a power-play goal, capitalizing on a slick feed from Pavel Zacha.

Caufield scored his team-leading thirteenth goal late in the second, but it wasn't enough to secure a win for Montreal. Looking ahead, the Bruins will host the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday night, while the Canadiens are set to visit the Columbus Blue Jackets the same evening.

This pivotal matchup showcased the competitive spirit of both teams as they navigate the NHL season.