Bruins Shut Out Sharks to End Three-Game Losing Streak

BOSTON -- Jeremy Swayman made 26 saves for the Boston Bruins, who ended a three-game skid with a 3-0 win against the San Jose Sharks at TD Garden on Thursday.

Pavel Zacha had a goal and an assist for Boston (15-4-3), which has won 13 straight against the Sharks. David Pastrnak had two assists.

“That second period was the biggest indicator of [returning to our identity],” Swayman, who notched his 11th career shutout in his 100th career game, said. “Hitting guys, keeping pucks deep in possession. Obviously, defense, blocking shots, boxing guys out, making my job easy, and that’s what we do best is stick to our identity. And that’s big for us.”

It was also Swayman's 62nd win, which is tied for fourth-most through 100 NHL games since 1983-84. Chris Osgood has the most with 69.

Danton Heinen gave Boston a 1-0 lead at 1:39 of the second period, one-timing Matthew Poitras’ pass from low in the right face-off circle.

“Danton Heinen is a really good hockey player, and he’s playing real good hockey for us,” Bruins coach Jim Montgomery said. “He’s making plays all over the ice. He’s making those around him better.”

Jake DeBrusk made it 2-0 at 8:10, getting the puck in open space from Zacha and skating in to beat Blackwood five-hole. The Bruins outshot San Jose 18-6 in the second period.

“I think it was a good step forward,” Zacha said. “We knew after three games like that, we have to kind of respond, and I think we did a good job. With ‘Sway’ in net, having a great game too, that helped us a lot.”

Zacha scored on the power play, finishing Pastrnak’s centering pass at 6:37 of the third period for the 3-0 final.

“I thought we got better as the game went on,” Marchand said. “We started to play more the way that we need to to win games, so it’s a good step for us. Good to get back in the win column and follow it up again on Saturday [against the Toronto Maple Leafs.]”