There is nothing more special than a game seven in the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. Two teams on the brink of elimination, anxiety in the air, and desperation among the players.
It is game seven where heroes, legends, and greats are born. One player emerges from the spotlight and shines.
It was game seven where Jake DeBrusk made his name known.
The Boston Bruins entered their seventh and final game in round one against the Toronto Maple Leafs looking towards their veterans and key players to carry them to victory. But more importantly, they needed their first line of Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron, and David Pastrnak to step up. The top-line trio had been mute for two games prior, accounting for no goals and no assists.
They needed more than their first line to step up, however, and DeBrusk filled that role.
“When you’re put in positions where the offense is on the draw, you have to generate something,” DeBrusk told Joe Haggerty of NBC Sports Boston. “It’s tough, but at the same time, it’s something I crave.”
DeBrusk entered game seven having tallied three goals and two assists so far in the series. Unlike the first line, DeBrusk made his presence known in just about every game. The only game he did not register a point was game three where the Bruins lost 4-2. DeBrusk continued to wow Bruins fans with his stunning ability to generate offensive plays.
Aqui a GRANDE jogada do DeBrusk e um gol incrível que perdeu o Krejci. #NHLBruins #InOurBlood #BrasilTemNHL pic.twitter.com/4GtgP3a1fc
— Boston Bruins Brasil (@BrBostonBruins) April 17, 2018
Wednesday night, the Maple Leafs opened the scoring 2:05 into the first period on the power play and the once-rowdy crowd became silent. The Bruins needed to answer and they got one.
Two minutes and 42 seconds later, DeBrusk deflected a shot by Pastrnak to put the Bruins on the board and tie the game at one.
What a series for the kid.
CC: @JDebrusk pic.twitter.com/gcDC1AkBP3
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) April 26, 2018
DeBrusk would go on to score the game-winner 5:25 into the third period.
Ladies and gentlemen, your series winner, courtesy of @JDebrusk. pic.twitter.com/7QiApz0VeW
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) April 26, 2018
While Bergeron and Pastrnak scored to keep the first line alive, DeBrusk was a crucial part of making sure the Bruins extended their season.
If it were not for his nose for the net, or his drive to perform to his best ability every game, the Bruins would be cleaning out their lockers and fans would be pointing their fingers looking for who to blame for the unfortunate ending to a rather stunning season.
“It was special,” DeBrusk said via @NHLBruins on Twitter. “Something I’ll never forget.”
It will be something Bruins’ fans will never forget as well.
