Boston Bruins Power Play Strikes Again
Boston Bruins Power Play Strikes Again In Game Against Philadelphia
The Boston Bruins shocked the hockey world this year with their white-hot power play. From the very beginning of the year, the Bruins’ have topped the power play efficiency rankings up until recently with the Washington Capitals passing them by the narrowest of margins. The Bruins’ power play is currently operating at an impressive 26% on the nose, still good for second in the league ahead of Chicago who sits in third place with a 22.1% Power Play percentage, and just behind the Capitals who have a 27.1% Power Play percentage.
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Between the Washington Capitals playing unbelievable hockey this season and the Bruins’ Power Play hitting a wall as of late, it was only a matter of time before Boston finally slipped out of the top spot for the first time this season. The obvious difference between the Bruins’ power play to start the year and their power play over the last few games was clearly the absence of David Krejci from the lineup. With the Bruins veteran center back on the team’s top unit, the power play is clearly starting to find their rhythm again.
The Boston Bruins opened the scoring against the Philadelphia Flyers at the 5:04 mark of the first period on the Bruins’ first power play opportunity. The goal was credited to Patrice Bergeron with assists going to Ryan Spooner and David Krejci. On the Bruins’ second power play chance, the Bruins’ converted again with a goal from Brad Marchand: his 20th of the season with assists from Zdeno Chara and Colin Miller at the 17:27 mark of the first period.
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After converting on their first two power play opportunities, the Boston Bruins failed to convert on their third. With one final power play opportunity coming in the final two minutes of the game at the 18:22 mark of the third period, lack of discipline on the part of Torey Krug led to Bruins penalty as the 18:57 mark of the game when he was called for tripping Jakub Voracek. In the end, the Bruins were able to hold off the Flyers and take a 3-2 win on the road.
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The Bruins’ power play is finding so much success this season because the team is playing to its strengths. Without a legitimate hard-shot like the Bruins’ have been used to in recent years with Zdeno Chara‘s notorious blasts and Johnny Boychuk‘s “Johnny Rockets”, the Bruins’ were forced to reinvent themselves. What the Bruins might lack in shot-strength, they make up for in spades in terms of talented forwards who can bury the puck.
The Bruins’ top power play unit consists of Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci, Ryan Spooner, and Loui Eriksson who are all complimented by the quarterback of the power play, Torey Krug. Rather than taking shots from the point and squeezing them past opposing goaltenders, the Bruins are utilizing quick passes that are opening lanes for smart shots; the strategy is clearly working for the Bruins so far.
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With so much top-flight offensive talent clicking together so well, the Bruins should be able to reclaim the top power play spot in the NHL before long.
Follow Brandon Share-Cohen on Twitter @BShareCohen to discuss all things Bruins and sports