BOSTON — Rookie David Pastrnak is making a looming decision for the Boston Bruins’ front office appear much easier.
Pastrnak scored twice Tuesday night for the second straight game as the Bruins extended their winning streak to four by beating the Tampa Bay Lightning, 4-3.
“I think he’s making a case for himself,” Coach Claude Julien said.
Pastrnak has played in eight games and the Bruins can use him in one more before having to decide whether to keep him or return him to the AHL.
Judging from his last two games, Pastrnak may be done with Providence.
“We see what he can do,” Julien said. “I think he’s made unbelievable strides in a half year of being in Providence, and coming up with us a little bit and going back.”
Milan Lucic had a goal and an assist, and David Krejci had a pair of assists, skating with Pastrnak on a newly formed line that has shown immediate results for the Bruins.
“They’re great players and I’m just trying to do the best for them and best for the team,” Pastrnak said.
Pastrnak, called up Jan. 6 from Providence, scored his first two career goals Saturday in Boston’s 3-1 victory at Philadelphia.
Boston’s first-round draft pick in 2014, Pastrnak doubled his total against the Lightning as the Bruins continued gaining ground in the Eastern Conference by improving to 5-0-3 in their last eight games.
“He’s come in and had two really good games,” said Brad Marchand, who also scored for Boston. “We need that. The young speed and the young legs, it brings a lot of emotion to us and gives us more energy. When he’s playing the way he did tonight, he’s all over the place.”
Steven Stamkos scored two goals for Tampa Bay, giving him 25 for the season. Ben Bishop had 30 saves.
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