Boston’s David Pastrnak plays to the crowd as he celebrates his goal on a penalty shot during the second period Saturday against Nashville. Michael Dwyer/Associated Press
BOSTON — James van Riemsdyk broke a tie with his second goal of the game early in the third period, David Pastrnak scored on a penalty shot, and the Boston Bruins beat the Nashville Predators 3-2 on Saturday night.
Both of van Riemsdyk’s goals – his first two in his initial season with the Bruins – came on a power play. Jeremy Swayman made 34 saves in his season debut for Boston (2-0), which killed seven penalties.
Colton Sissons scored both goals for the Predators (1-2) and Juuse Saros made 29 stops. Saros has played all their games so far this season.
Nashville went 0 for 7 on the power play.
Positioned in the slot, van Riemsdyk tipped in Charlie McAvoy’s shot for the go-ahead goal 2:52 into the final period.
Pastrnak’s goal – his third of the season – came with 5:14 left in the second, giving the Bruins a 2-1 edge. Pastrnak was awarded a penalty shot after Alexandre Carrier held his stick on a clean breakaway. Pastrnak slowly skated down the center and fired a wrist shot over Saros’ left shoulder.
Nashville tied it with the goalie pulled for a delayed Boston penalty when Sissons tipped in Roman Josi’s shot from the point at 16:54.
Coming off a shutout win over Seattle in their home opener, the Predators grabbed a 1-0 edge when Sissons one-timed Kiefer Sherwood’s drop pass inside the left post 3:29 into the game.
Boston tied it on van Riemsdyk’s first goal at 14:48. He was attempting to center a pass from the side of the net when it caromed in off Nashville defenseman Dante Fabbro.
With Nashville on a power play midway through the second period, Bruins defenseman Derek Forbort knocked the puck out of the crease just before it crossed the goal line.
NOTES: Bruins Coach Jim Montgomery feels like the Predators have a different approach this season under first-year coach Andrew Brunette after missing the playoffs. “They’re much more of a fastbreak team, more of a transition team than they were before,” he said. … Swayman went 26-6-4 with a 2.27 goals-against-average last season. … Nashville defenseman Luke Schenn missed his second straight game with a lower-body injury. … The Bruins held Nashville to just one shot on goal with forward Jakub Lauko in the box on a double-minor penalty for high sticking midway into the second.
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