BOSTON — Give David Pastrnak credit for his flair for the dramatic. The Bruins forward made his milestone goal a nifty one.
From behind the Bruins’ net, Charlie McAvoy hit Morgan Geekie with an outlet pass at center ice. Geekie alertly redirected the puck to Pastrnak, who went in alone. Toronto goalie Dennis Hildeby, who had just replaced ineffective starter Anthony Stolarz, bit on Pastrnak’s backhand fake, allowing the Bruins’ forward to tuck the puck behind the goalie for his 400th career goal.
Pastrnak became the 112th NHL player to reach the career mark, beating Dallas Stars forward Jamie Benn, who also entered the night with 399 goals, to the milestone.
The Bruins’ entire bench came onto the ice to celebrate with Pastrnak behind the Leafs’ net.
He added No. 401 on the power play in the third period.
Pastrnak has 10 goals this season. He’s sixth all-time in goals for the Bruins, one short of Rick Middleton’s 402. At 29, Johnny Bucyk’s Boston record of 545 career goals is very much in reach.
Pastrnak, who also had a first-period assist now has 855 career points, making 900 career points possible, even likely, this year as well.
Goal No. 400 came just under 11 years since he beat Philadelphia’s Ray Emery for his first on Jan. 10, 2015.
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