The quick take of last night's game was one of no consistency and a lack of urgency and smart play through the neutral zone. After a really well played 1st period, where the Bruins outchanced the Panthers, a mental error at 5:33 left in the period enabled the Panthers to score and go into the 1st period tied. Entering the 2nd period the Bruins began to lose puck battles and their passing was off, turnovers and very poor puck management allowed the Panthers to take control of the game. After an early goal at the 2;05 mark by Eetu's go-ahead goal, the Panthers pretty much controlled the period overall. Although the Bruins did get a few top-quality chances, Bobrovsky was stellar when called on and made some amazing saves. The 3rd saw the Bruins playing with a bit more urgency and it was pretty even but at the 12:40 point of the 3rd on a missed puck by McAvoy , Duclair was able to use his speed and in a great move scored on Ulmark , more or less sealing the deal. The Bruins did push back and had a few chances to narrow the lead but once again Bobrovsky was up to the task. After the Bruins pulled their goalie, the Panthers iced the cake with an empty-net goal. Done as dinner. Bruins lose 4-1 and the Panthers remain undefeated and prove they are the real deal.
Bruins PP: The Bruins only had 2 chances and failed to score. The top unit still does not look as good as it should and I stand by my observation concerning McAvoy and even Hall being on the top unit. It could take some time for them to build the proper chemistry but I can see a hole created by Krejci that is not filled yet. Grade F
Bruins PK: The Panthers only had one chance and the Bruins really did an excellent job of allowing the Panthers to stay on the outside and they didn't have any real solid chances. Grade A
Zero stars in this game but an honorable mention to Jake Debrusk who was skating well had some really decent looks and set up a few plays that failed to get results but he was a bright spot.
Last Thoughts: It's hard to call in one game against a true rival in the division a measuring stick but last night the Panthers showed they are the real deal. The top line was held in check in general and they forced both Pasta and Brad to turn the puck over numerous times because they were trying to do too much. Why is Clifton in this line-up? He made numerous gaffs last night, 2 resulting in goals. He is at best a spare part, a 7th that's it. The 2nd line started well but really tailed off and after Studnicka made a few miscues, Cassidy benched him. McAvoy looked very ordinary last night and had a very mediocre game. Ulmark was alright but like I said in the past, Tuukka covered up many of the gaffs by this team on a regular basis. Not a great night but move on and now it's another undefeated team, Carolina tonight and they need to be better.
I Have A Beef: This new feature once in a while will be something that ticks me off. Last night its was Coach Cassidy. He has shown over his tenure in Boston he has a tendency to give some players a pass and rely on some way more than he should. Last night he calls out Studnicka and Hall . Fine, Studs had a weak 2nd but benching him the whole 3rd made zero sense. It's early in the season and if he screws up here, it's a teachable moment and it's not costing you a position right now with plenty of hockey to play. The calling out Hall on the 1st goal on his positioning might have been valid but cmon, Coyle has been average at best most nights and I wonder how long this top 6 experiment will continue, I do not see him as a top 6 but Cassidy gets his "pick" on players and last year it was DeBrusk, even when he was playing him on his off-wing where he struggles. I think Cassidy is a good coach but that tendency he has really annoys me at times. That's my beef.
No comments:
Post a Comment