David Krejci and the Boston Bruins were unsure if their game with the Buffalo Sabres Thursday night would even be played. Both the Bruins and Sabres canceled their morning skates Thursday as COVID-19 protocol related issues popped up.

But after contract tracing and rapid testing revealed no further issues, Sean Kuraly was placed on the league’s protocol list and the game went on as scheduled.

That turned out to be a good thing for both Krejci and the Bruins.

Krejci has spent the last three games searching for career point No. 700 after reaching 698 and 698 in a Mar. 11 victory over the New York Rangers.

In a much-needed win in Buffalo on Thursday, Krejci finally registered his 700th point. He also picked up 701 and 702, finishing the night with three assists in a 4-1 Bruins victory.

"He's a great player he's able to slow it down, he's one of the smartest players I've played with as far as talking to me on the bench and the little plays that he sees out there," said Craig Smith, who scored his fifth of the season after cashing in on a feed from Krejci. “It’s kind of impressive.”

With his 700+ points, Krejci joins Ray Bourque, Johnny Bucyk, Phil Esposito, Rick Middleton, Patrice Bergeron, Bobby Orr and Wayne Cashman on the franchise’s list of players who have reached 700 points. Sitting behind Krejci with 680, Brad Marchand soon too will join this list.

“He’s had longevity when you’ve had a lot of different wingers, right? It’s been the ask of him here is to just pull whoever is on the line along. Obviously, there’s always adjusting to everybody’s game and Krech (Krejci) plays a little bit of a unique game in that way,” said head coach Bruce Cassidy.

“He likes to slow the pace down at times and then pick up the pace, so guys have to read off you in that regard. But he’s going to get you the puck if you’re a scorer, eventually.”

Krejci centered Smith and Jake DeBrusk Thursday, anchoring a pair of wingers that have their fair share of issues putting pucks in the net this season. Both DeBrusk and Smith contributed to the Bruins four-goal night with goals assisted by Krejci.

It was the type of night we’ve often seen from Krejci. The type of night where when he’s feeling it, passes from Krejci frequently are leading to goals.

“We need our centermen to drive the lines they’re on and he’s a big part if DeBrusk and Smitty (Smith) are going to get going,” Cassidy said. “So good to see Krech find it today. Some of it’s power play, but that’s OK. Those goals count, too, right? He was making some plays otherwise.”

It’s tough to get excited about doing anything good against a Sabres team that has now lost 13 straight, but there was a lot to like about what the Bruins did on Thursday.

With goals by DeBrusk, Smith and Greg McKegg, the Bruins finally got some secondary scoring.

"Just try to stay as ready as I could, obviously it's a weird year and you never know when your name is going to be called so just try to stay ready and wait for my opportunity," said McKegg, who was playing in his second game of the season. "I thought we had a good start and found our legs early and I think we just try to keep it simple for the most part and try to create some momentum for our side."

The game also saw the NHL debut of defenseman Jack Ahcan who the Bruins signed last year as a free agent out of St. Cloud State. With his style of play geared more towards an offensive defenseman, Ahcan was heavily involved in the game.

Some of that involvement was good, some of that involvement was not so good.

"He was involved in the game, good and bad at times, but I like that. I like a player that is willing to be assertive. It's his first ever NHL game, guys are tentative. He wasn't,” said Cassidy.

As injuries continue to be an issue for the Bruins, you can add Trent Frederic to the list of the Bruins wounded. The pesky forward left Thursday’s contest in the first period after blocking a shot. He logged just over five minutes of ice time.

"He wasn't feeling right after that," said Cassidy. "The X-ray was negative so that's a positive, but I think that's one we're gonna have to list as day-to-day for now and see how it goes."

It’s doubtful Frederic will be healthy for Saturday afternoon’s rematch with the Sabres.

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