Just beyond the midpoint of February, the Boston Bruins faced a pivotal game against the Dallas Stars at TD Garden on Monday. Despite the Stars’ injury-depleted roster, the Bruins were determined to salvage their disappointing homestand, which had seen them struggle to a 1-3-2 record in the first six games.
Trailing 3-2 late in the third period, the Bruins managed to equalize with just 1:45 remaining, courtesy of a goal from David Pastrnak. Following a scoreless overtime, the shootout extended to nine rounds, culminating in Charlie McAvoy’s decisive goal after Jeremy Swayman’s crucial save against former Bruin Craig Smith, securing a hard-fought 4-3 victory. Here are three key observations as the Bruins improved to a 33-12-11 record before embarking on a four-game road trip through Western Canada and Seattle.
Throughout the seven-game homestand, the Bruins grappled with issues surrounding their fourth line’s lack of effectiveness. Head coach Jim Montgomery experimented with various line combinations, including the addition of Justin Brazeau on a two-year, two-way contract ahead of the game, which immediately paid dividends.
In the offensive zone, Anthony Richard orchestrated the Bruins’ first goal with a well-executed cross-ice pass to Jesper Boqvist, while Brazeau made an impactful debut by swiftly scoring his maiden NHL goal just 28 seconds after Dallas took the lead in the second period.
However, defensive lapses persisted across all zones throughout the homestand, proving costly against opponents such as the Tampa Bay Lightning, Washington Capitals, Los Angeles Kings, and Stars. Critical errors, like Derek Forbort’s ill-timed clearances and pinches, led to opposition goals, highlighting concerns about the defensive unit’s consistency and decision-making.
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Despite the defensive struggles, goaltender Jeremy Swayman emerged as the Bruins’ savior, making a career-high 43 saves, including several crucial stops during intense moments. Swayman’s stellar performance, particularly in the face of relentless pressure, played a pivotal role in securing the much-needed victory to conclude the homestand on a positive note.
As the Bruins embark on their road trip, facing the Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks, and Seattle Kraken, they must address their inconsistent play and strive for a complete 60-minute effort in each game to bolster their standing in the league. Transitioning to away games may offer a fresh start for the team, providing an opportunity to rectify their shortcomings and regain momentum in the standings.