The quick takeaway from the other night's loss against the Canes was one of a lack of urgency and finding consistent offensive zone time. I'm not going to labor too much on this game but it's clear, top teams place emphasis on shutting down the top line, and until the rest of this team finds consistent scoring from the rest of this team, that will be an issue. The Canes used their speed and bottled up the middle of the ice very well. Plus the Bruins D failed time and time again to make smart decisions on zone exits. The Canes scored 3, 2 deflections, and one empty net. The Bruins didn't have their A-game but still had chances but failed numerous times to finish and Canes goalie Anderson shut the door on numerous decent quality chances. The Bruins did hold the advantage of shots as well, so it wasn't like they did not have opportunities but often struggled to create sustained pressure. However, a loss is a loss and they have only scored 1 goal over the last 2 games.
Bruins PP : I'll be brief and honest. This PP looks off and is not working. They went 0 for 5 chances and failed to really generate any real top-end chances consistently. Pasta overpasses, McAvoy looks hesitant and I'm wondering if he is the right fit as the anchor on the blueline, and Hall upfront isn't working for me right now. The Loss of Krug 2 seasons ago as their anchor hurt but having Krejci eased that pain but now Krejci is gone. The replacement players plugged in are not as good, simple as that right now. Grade F
Bruins PK : The Bruins kill was quite solid and the only Goal surrendered was a fluky one off a Bruins skate. They played with pace and urgency, pressuring the Canes. Perhaps, this type of attitude needs to be more common when they are 5 on 5. Grade B+
No Stars were given in this game .
Last Thoughts : Can the Bruins play better than they have shown in this two-game swing, I think so but there are a few troubling things emerging. The D at times seems to struggle in coverage and making clean passes. The forwards need to be better in the neutral zone and pursuit of the puck. Some within the Bruin camp have said they are concerned about Bergeron, that he looks a bit off. Perhaps, but from my perspective, that top line is still a lethal unit when in sync but it seems off and for me the weak link right now is Pasta. His play at times is baffling. Top-end talent but at times he tries to do too much and turns the puck over too much. Also how long do the bruins plug Coyle into the top 6. I just don't think he has the hockey IQ or sees the ice and reads the play well enough to be a top-six or center on the 2nd line. He is a north and south type player, great bottom six, and solid on the PK but I'm not seeing a top-six forward. Swayman was decent in the nets but he still looks at times he isn't tracking the puck well. Bruins face the Panthers again tonight in Boston. So far this measuring test hasn't been favorable. It is not that they have been totally dominated at all but it has exposed some weak spots no question.
Let's Go Bruins and get a win !!
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