The Boston Bruins once again lost in overtime. It appears that the “4th period” is going to cause Boston lots of problems.
In the NHL you get 2 points every time you win. The Boston Bruins have acquired 2 points in their last 2 games. The B’s have lost their last two games in overtime and the loss definitely could have been prevented.
Boston once again had a rough start. This just seems to be a common theme for the Bruins.
Over the last few years, the Bruins just fail to show up on time for games. Sometimes the Bruins are able to come back and win the game, but most of the time the Bruins dig a hole that they can’t climb out of.
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The Bruins once again were able to tie the game but struggled in overtime.
Brad Marchand is wishing he can have a play back for the 2nd straight game. Marchand and Brandon Carlo had the opportunity to wrangle the puck, but they couldn’t and that led to a 3 on 1 opportunity for the Canucks.
Also to blame is a bad change by Patrice Bergeron. He left Brandon Carlo out to dry. The Canucks got an amazing opportunity and didn’t let it go to waste.
The Bruins need to have better starts. They can’t be so lackadaisical in the first period. Boston needs to have strong starts and get out to a strong lead.
So here are my 3 takeaways from yet another Boston Bruins overtime loss.
1. What happened Jaroslav Halak?
Since Tuukka Rask is struggling, Boston Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy decided to give Jaroslav Halak a start once again on Saturday night.
Now plenty of people love to complain about how Tuukka Rask gives up easy goals. Well, Halak must have done his best Rask impression on Saturday night. Halak gave up a brutal goal in the 1st period that made fans want to throw their clickers through the TV.
Now as the game went on, Halak was much better. He made some big saves that kept the Bruins in the game. At the end of the 3rd period, Halak laid out to make sure that the Bruins would get to overtime.
Now the Bruins have a little break and fans will be wondering what Cassidy will do. Will we see Rask return between the pipes, or will he give Halak a chance to prove he can last as a starter?
2. Injury bug bites Boston Bruins
Prior to Saturday’s game, Boston Bruins fans were dealt some bad news. Kevan Miller and Charlie McAvoy were sent back to Boston for some testing.
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McAvoy’s injury is undisclosed which makes you nervous. Fans just hope it’s not something serious. Miller was sent back due to a hand injury that he suffered against the Edmonton Oilers. Miller blocked a puck with his hand, and the shot must have had some heat behind it.
So that leaves the Bruins with Steven Kampfer on the B’s 2nd d-pairing and the team was forced to recall Urho Vaakanainen on an emergency basis.
I was actually pleasantly surprised by Kampfer. The veteran was physical and looked good on the ice. Vaakanainen on the other hand wasn’t as hot. the defensemen definitely looked like a rookie out there on Saturday night.
Now I think Bruins fans need to lower their expectations. We have seen Matt Grzelcyk and Charlie McAvoy seamless transition to the NHL. Vaakanainen’s time in Boston will probably be short as he could use some fine-tuning in Providence.
3. The Swedish sniper
Joakim Nordstrom has really got it together since sitting out a game early in the season. Nordstrom scored his 2nd goal of the season on Saturday night and it was a beauty.
Nordstrom uncorked a beautiful wrist shot to tie the game for the Bruins. He has been playing great as of late and is looking like he was worth the signing.
No matter the line he is on Nordstrom is playing well. He is a skilled player in the offensive zone, who seems to be one of the only players outside of the first line who can score.
Now the Bruins get a nice break as they don’t play until Tuesday. The B’s faceoff against the Ottawa Senators in a rematch of the Bruins home opener. Hopefully, the Bruins will have a similar result.
As Bruins fans wait for Tuesday to arrive they will be on the edge of their seats for the latest news on Charlie McAvoy. Hopefully, our beloved defensemen won’t be out for too long.