After a 3-1 win over the LA Kings to close out January, the Boston Bruins were looking to start off the month strong against the NY Rangers. Unfortunately, a lack of energy, speed and too many turnovers led the B’s to a disappointing loss as they fell to the Rangers 3-2.
There were few sparks of life and noticeable lack of skill during the game, which resulted in the loss. To start off the first period, the Bruins were slow and unable to get many shots on goal resulting in an early lead for the Rangers. At 13:07 of the first period, Krejci and Smith maneuvered the puck into the offensive zone and passed it over to Lucic who was able to land it in the net to tie the game. Just 1:52 after Lucic’s goal, the pair of Eriksson and Bergeron made the highlight play of the week.
Feb 4, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron (37) scores a goal against New York Rangers goalie Cam Talbot (33) during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Knowing that they were unmatched in the speed department, the Bruins needed to head into the second period with a lead. Eriksson made a perfect pass over the stick of Dan Girardi – Rangers defenseman – and was able to connect with Bergeron who slipped in right past Rangers goalie, Talbot. This was Bergeron’s 13th goal of the season.
Although the B’s were able to take the lead before the second, the Rangers came out with a vengeance, tied it up and eventually put the winning goal past Rask in the second period. The Bruins looked promising in the third, but were unable to capitalize on their energy. Showing up for the game too late combined with far too many turnovers and unnecessary penalties led to a disappointing loss. With an upcoming game against the NY Islanders on Saturday, let’s hope the B’s use this loss to fuel their energy and drive to notch two points.