Morgan Geekie’s Game-Winning Goal Lifts Bruins Over Senators

BOSTON — Morgan Geekie scored the game-winning goal just 2:06 into the second period, lifting the Boston Bruins to a 2-1 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night at TD Garden. The 26-year-old forward notched his 13th goal of the season, continuing his recent offensive surge.

Geekie, who has found his rhythm on the Bruins’ top line alongside David Pastrnak and Pavel Zacha, credited his chemistry with his linemates for his improved performance. “I think just chemistry. Just going out there and playing,” Geekie told reporters during NESN‘s postgame coverage. “At least for me, a lot less thinking. Just kind of going and playing.”

The goal extended Geekie’s scoring streak to two games, following his opening tally against the New Jersey Devils the previous night. Pastrnak, who assisted on Geekie’s goal, extended his own scoring streak to six games.

Geekie’s resurgence comes after a slow start to the season. Since being promoted to the top line by interim head coach Joe Sacco, he has scored six goals in December and five in January. “We think we can produce and help the team,” Geekie said. “I think that’s something that we’re trying to take a lot of pride in as a line and be responsible in our own end as well.”

Last season, Geekie recorded 17 goals, 22 assists, and 39 points in 76 games. This season, he has 13 goals, 11 assists, and 24 points in 45 games, putting him on pace to surpass his previous goal total. His 13 goals rank third on the team, behind Pastrnak (24) and Brad Marchand (17).

The Bruins needed the win after a tough loss to the Devils the night before. “It’s huge. I mean, it speaks volumes,” Geekie said. “Just how we can play when we play our game and the way we responded is something we gotta take a lot of pride in.”

Despite being outshot 30-26 by the Senators, the Bruins relied on their physicality, outhitting Ottawa 27-20. “We’ve got a lot of big bodies on this team,” Geekie noted. “A lot of guys that play heavy but can make plays, and I think that’s something that we sometimes get away from.”

The victory keeps the Bruins in contention as they head into the final stretch of the regular season, with 32 games remaining.