Fraser Minten sparks late flurry as Bruins blank Rangers in opener

A late offensive outburst turned a tight opener into a convincing win for the Boston Bruins on Tuesday night. Fraser Minten finally solved Igor Shesterkin in the third period, sparking a three-goal surge in 75 seconds that lifted Boston to a 3-0 victory over the New York Rangers at TD Garden.

With just over four minutes remaining in regulation, Minten found space down the left side, drove toward the net and beat Shesterkin with a low shot past the glove. The goal, coming in his first game since signing a new seven-year contract, stood up as the winner and relieved a Bruins team that had pressed most of the night without reward.

Three goals in 75 seconds and Swayman’s 19th shutout

Once Minten broke the ice, Boston didn’t let up. JJ Peterka quickly added insurance, and Mark Kastelic followed with an empty-netter just 23 seconds later to put the game out of reach. The rapid burst extended the Bruins’ streak to 11 straight victories in home openers.

Jeremy Swayman turned aside all 24 shots he faced for his 19th career shutout, anchoring a Bruins effort that, while outshot 24-23, carried the play for long stretches. Shesterkin finished with 20 saves for New York, keeping the Rangers alive until Boston’s late breakthrough.

Elias and Hampus Lindholm picked up assists on Minten’s tally, while Minten and Marat Khusnutdinov helped set up Kastelic’s empty-net goal. Pavel Zacha nearly broke the scoreless tie earlier in the third when his attempt rang off the left post behind Shesterkin.

Pastrnak debuts as captain as McAvoy serves suspension

The win opened a new chapter in Boston, which is coming off a first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Buffalo Sabres in Marco Sturm’s first season behind the bench. Tuesday marked the first regular-season game with David Pastrnak wearing the "C," as he became the 28th captain in franchise history after the Bruins went without one last year.

Boston’s blue line was missing its top defenceman, with Charlie McAvoy starting a six-game suspension for slashing Buffalo’s Zach Benson during last April’s playoff series. Even without him, the Bruins limited New York’s chances and protected Swayman effectively in front of a loud home crowd.

For the Rangers, the loss underlined the work ahead after a last-place finish in the Eastern Conference and a second straight year without playoff hockey. Despite a series of off-season roster changes and a slight edge in shots, they could not convert on their opportunities in Boston and will be looking for a better finish as their season-opening road swing continues.

Minten’s decisive goal and overall performance provided an ideal start to his long-term commitment in Boston, and an early indication of the impact the Bruins hope he can have as the new season unfolds.