Bruins ride early burst and Swayman’s 34 saves to edge Penguins 2-1 at TD Garden

Boston answers an early deficit with two quick first-period goals, then leans on goaltending

BOSTON — The Boston Bruins used a 50-second scoring burst in the opening period and a 34-save performance from goaltender Jeremy Swayman to secure a 2-1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins at TD Garden on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

The game’s scoring was compressed into the first 5:10, with Pittsburgh striking first and Boston responding twice to take a lead it would hold for the remaining 54 minutes.

Three goals in the first six minutes, then a long hold

Pittsburgh defenseman Erik Karlsson opened the scoring 42 seconds into the game, converting on the Penguins’ first shot. Boston challenged the play for goaltender interference, but the goal stood after review.

The Bruins tied it at 5:10 of the first period when Marat Khusnutdinov scored, and they moved ahead 2-1 just 50 seconds later on Casey Mittelstadt’s finish off a rebound created by a Nikita Zadorov shot. Penguins goaltender Stuart Skinner made 26 saves in the loss.

• 42 seconds: Karlsson put Pittsburgh ahead 1-0.
• 5:10: Khusnutdinov tied the game 1-1.
• 6:00: Mittelstadt scored the eventual game-winner for a 2-1 Bruins lead.

Swayman closes the door after an early setback

After allowing a goal on Pittsburgh’s first shot, Swayman turned in a shutdown effort the rest of the way. He stopped every shot he faced over the final two periods, preserving the lead during extended stretches when Pittsburgh generated pressure and pushed play toward Boston’s end.

Boston did not add to its early advantage, and the third period unfolded primarily as a defensive test. The Bruins limited second-chance opportunities in front of their net and relied on puck management to get through late shifts with the Penguins pressing for an equalizer.

All three goals were scored within the first six minutes; the rest of the night was defined by goaltending and game management.

Context: home streak continues as standings tighten

The victory extended Boston’s home winning streak to 11 games, keeping the Bruins in the playoff race as the regular season moves into its final segment. The win also came after a recent stretch in which Boston had dropped three of four, including two shootout losses.

Boston’s next game is Thursday in Nashville in what amounts to a one-game road trip ahead of the NHL trade deadline, a calendar point that often affects roster decisions across the league.