DETROIT _ Jonathan Bernier came through with another big performance for the Detroit Red Wings.
The Wings struggled to generate offense during their Sunday matinee at Little Caesars against the Boston Bruins, but Bernier kept his teammates in the game and the Wings collected a 3-1 victory.
Bernier made 39 saves.
Andreas Athanasiou converted on a power play in the third period, set up by Tyler Bertuzzi and Dylan Larkin. Athanasiou also netted an empty-net goal with 28.1 seconds to play in regulation.
The Wings (14-39-4) ended the Bruins' six-game winning streak and improved to 2-0 against Boston this season.
Bernier had his hands full as the Bruins at one point were outshooting the Wings by a two-to-one margin. Brendan Perlini scored early in the second period. Brad Marchand tipped a puck into Detroit's net midway through the second period but after the Wings successfully challenged Marchand was offside. The Bruins had a 26-13 edge in shots after two periods.
There was nothing to challenge in the opening minute of the third period when David Pastrnak skated the puck up the right flank and succeeded in drawing Bernier out of his net only to pass the puck to Torey Krug, who had an open net to make it 1-1.
The Wings played with a short bench in the third period, as Robby Fabbri left after suffering an upper-body injury.
Red Wings left wing Brendan Perlini celebrates his goal with teammates during the second period on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2020, at Little Caesars Arena.
Red Wings left wing Brendan Perlini celebrates his goal with teammates during the second period on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2020, at Little Caesars Arena. (Photo: Tim Fuller, Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports)
