Key Takeaways: Boston Bruins Dumped by Senators in Overtime

Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

In desperate need of securing two points against their division rival, the Boston Bruins blew a third-period lead before falling to the Ottawa Senators on Saturday afternoon, 3-2.

While the Bruins were far from perfect in defeat, they once again hung close and gave themselves an excellent chance to win.

Deadlocked at 1-1 halfway through the final period, Brad Marchand tallied his 11th goal of the season to put the Bruins up 2-1. To Boston’s demise, the Senators struck late in the third and again in overtime to send the Bruins home with one point.

For the Bruins, the inability to win close games has been a nagging issue all season. The frustrations within the locker room are at an all-time high as the Bruins continue to drop winnable games, and this all while the team slips further away from a playoff spot. Coach Claude Julien summed things up best following the loss.

“I thought overall our effort tonight was good. It was good enough that we could’ve won a game. We’re not winning those and it’s frustrating for everybody, including you guys, so I know we can nitpick every little detail of our game. But we’ve played the last two games well enough to win,” Julien said during his post-game presser.

More from Chowder and Champions

• 3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox
• 10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster Deadline
• MLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return
• 3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 Season
• Red Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win

With that said, here are my three major takeaways from the loss.

1. David Krejci steps up, but the results don’t follow

Krejci assisted on both Boston goals, and went 10-for-11 at the face-off dot. The team unfortunately couldn’t muster up enough plays to win. Though one thing is for certain and that’s the fact that the Bruins are much more effective with Krejci on the ice. They’re 4-2-2 in eight games since his return from injury.

2. Late-game let down once again proves costly

The Bruins killed off a two-man penalty that was followed up by a Marchand goal at 10:35 of the third period. With a 2-1 lead in hand, all the Bruins had to do was buckle down, dig deep and hold their ground. Just as it’s gone all season, the Bruins allowed the Senators to even the score and then yank the win away in overtime. The killer instinct has been missing for some time now.

3.Adam McQuaid played well in his return from injury

After an 18-week layoff due to a broken thumb, McQuaid returned and played a solid game with all things considering. The rugged d-man showed his physicality, dishing out a few hits. He logged 17:26 of ice time. Tuukka Rask was impressed with McQuaid’s play as well. His return and style of play will hopefully spark an improvement on the defensive end.