The Bruins stole one. They lost the expected-goals battle 3.45–4.09 and won anyway.
The Canucks controlled this game on the scoresheet but not on the scoreboard. Expected goals favored Vancouver 4.09–3.45, a significant advantage that didn't translate to the result. The Bruins won 3-2 in overtime anyway.
Possession was a near-rout. The Canucks held 61% of shot attempts (34–22 on goal) and matched Boston on high-danger chances (6–6 each). They did everything right except finish—0 for 6 on their best looks. That conversion drought won't repeat; Vancouver routinely buried chances at that rate.
Swayman stole the show in net. He finished 32 for 34 (0.941 SV%), overperforming expected results by 2.09 goals. The Canucks' inability to convert hurt, but on a night when the underlying numbers said the game should be close, Swayman tipped the scales decisively in Boston's favor. Lankinen made 19 of 22 saves and faced a harder job, but the difference was clear in the crease.
Both teams showed teeth on the rush. Vancouver was lethal there: 2 goals on 33 chances. Boston matched it: 2 goals on 28 attempts. Not efficient, but effective when it mattered.
The turning point came at 04:41 of overtime—F. Minten's backhander from the doorstep. It was Minten's second goal of the night, making him the architect of Boston's win despite the underlying numbers suggesting a Canucks advantage.
