The Bruins — akin to any motivated group set to enter the new year — did almost all the right things at 5-on-5 play Tuesday afternoon against the Capitals.
Gifted a fortuitous bounce that let Justin Brazeau knock a puck into twine just 1:21 into the contest, the Bruins regularly funneled pucks around Grade-A ice in hopes of putting Washington goalie Logan Thompson under duress.
The result? Thirteen high-danger scoring chances for the Bruins over 49:40 of 5-on-5 reps. Boston has had only five games over its first 39 outings this season where it generated more quality looks.