3 takeaways as shorthanded Bruins beat Maple Leafs in shootout

Jake DeBrusk snapped his goal drought in the Bruins' win over the Maple Leafs.The Boston Bruins entered their first matchup of the season with the Toronto Maple Leafs at 8-0-1. Yet, they faced one of the stiffest challenges of their centennial campaign, specifically on the back end.

Charlie McAvoy began serving his four-game suspension. Matt Grzelcyk started his stint on long-term injured reserve. Derek Forbort remains day-to-day.

Against a Leafs squad possessing lethal talent like Auston Matthews, John Tavares, Mitch Marner and William Nylander, the shorthanded Bruins never wavered.

Still, the Bruins struggled to defend their net and were a step slow transitioning the puck up ice. Even with a…