Brandt Clarke Proud to 'Finish the Job' vs. Bruins

In overtime, though, it looked as if the B’s had the advantage as Brandt Clarke was called for hooking. Yet, despite constant pressure, Rittich and his stingy defense kept the home team at bay. Then, just as Clarke’s penalty ended, the 21-year-old took a pass from Phillip Danault for a breakaway. Clarke then stymied Ullmark and deked him to score the OT-winner – as well as his first-career NHL goal.

“I don’t know. This all happened really fast,” an elated Clarke said post-game of his tally. “I saw [Ullmark] was out, so I didn’t think shot was the best option there and I kind of wanted to get far, so I just tried to make one move to my backhand, try to get him to bite and luckily, he did. I had the far side open so I just went back over there. Yeah, that was cool.”

HockeyRoyalty’s own Russell Morgan even showcased his own reaction to the goal — a memorable one at that:

The former Barrie Colts product propelled his team to their third win in four games under Jim Hiller, and fourth of five overall. As for his goal, well, it’s only the first time in NHL history when a player’s maiden tally came in overtime.

Could he have possibly dreamed of a better scenario?

“No, not at all, not at all,” Clarke responded. “My heart was racing for a while in the penalty box and I think from when I touched it at the red line to when everyone was jumping on me. I don’t even really remember that section but that was pretty wild. I’m happy we got the job done.”

Yet, while the goal was a significant personal milestone, Clarke was quick to admit just how important a win that was, especially against a team as daunting as the Bruins.

“They’re a really, really good team,” he emphasized. “A lot of skill, a lot of guys that can finish as everyone knows. So, you’ve got to be weary of who is on the ice. Overall, I think we played well. There were some misreads in situations, for both sides, and I think we’re both really good at capitalizing. So, they ended up in the back of the net. Those are the ones you’ve got to pull out, when it’s kind of a dogfight both ways, and we did. That was awesome to finish the job there.”

Of course, still glowing from his own heroics, Clarke responded to the belief that he is now a player who thrives in big games.

“My mom always says she loves when I’m out there in the last couple minutes,” Clarke noted. “She thinks something good happens, so she already texted me, saying she said something was going to happen there. So, I said that was funny, so shoutout to her. I embrace the moment and I want to make a big play in all situations of the game. But, you know, I was in alone on the goalie, so it’s my job to finish there, and luckily I did.”

After 17 games in the NHL, Brandt Clarke now has that monkey off his back – and what a way to do it. But Clarke, who also had an assist on Saturday, was only one weapon to help the Kings come back and steal two points.

Pierre-Luc Dubois, who had a defensive mishap on Boston’s third goal, made up for it with a pair of assists. He also led the team – with Drew Doughty – with four shots on goal. He also led the Kings – with Matt Roy – with five hits. Defenseman Mikey Anderson led the Kings with a plus-2 rating. As for David Rittich, he wasn’t at his best overall but came through when it mattered, collecting 28 saves in the win.

The LA Kings are beginning to roll. However, there’s no rest for the silver-and-black. They travel to Pittsburgh for a Sunday affair with the Penguins.