There have been times this season that the Boston Bruins have been unrecognizable. Although it is quite cliché, the Jekyll and Hyde comparison for the 2014-2015 team is spot on. Heading into each game, you are not sure which team is going to show up; the team that is driven, has lots of energy and works well together; or the team that is sloppy, turning over the puck and altogether bad. With the up-and-down play that the B’s have portrayed this year, it is no wonder that they have been fighting to keep a playoff spot.
Although they came out with four points, this weekend’s two matchups exhibited both sides of the Bruins’ team. In one matchup, they displayed passion, energy and teamwork, but in the other they were a complete mess.
"““You saw [Saturday] that when we’re emotionally involved everyone plays a little bit more on the edge. It’s important and [Saturday] we played a solid 60 minutes and played physical all game and that’s what we want.” Dennis Seidenberg"
On Saturday, the Bruins took on the top seed (at the time) New York Rangers – while they were sitting outside of the postseason bracket. From the minute they stepped out onto the ice, it was apparent that the Bruins were ready to fight for a win after losing six straight. They were hitting hard, winning puck battles and most importantly, playing as a team. Of course, Lundqvist had just returned from a 25 game hiatus and was a little rusty, but the B’s were at the top of their game. Taking two points from a team like the Rangers was sure to give the Bruins momentum and confidence going into their next game. But, it didn’t exactly work out that way.
The next day, the Bruins were set to take on the Carolina Hurricanes, a team that is out of the playoff race altogether. Unfortunately, Dr. Hyde showed his ugly face one again and left them struggling to take two points. Although the Bruins got out to an early lead thanks to a beautiful goal by Spooner, they never really got their act together and looked like a team that didn’t deserve a playoff spot. Luckily, Tuukka was on his game and the B’s eventually won in OT with a shot from another youngster, Pastrnak.
David Pastrnak blasts it home and #NHLBruins win it in OT!
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) March 30, 2015
WATCH: http://t.co/TxJ2yn3toV
In games like the one against the Canes, watching the Bruins can be very frustrating. Not only is their play sloppy, but they appear to be 19 individuals instead of a full team. In previous years, rarely did you see the Bruins not playing together and looking like a team. Why this year? This could just be caused by an off year OR it could be caused by a bigger issue – perhaps issues with coaching/management staff or players that are unwilling to play the Bruins’ way.
"“Some games, we’ve played well and we haven’t won and we’ve been disappointed because we say it’s about results. Well, [the game against the Hurricanes] might not have been perfect, but the effort and the will of those guys to continue to battle through fatigue and find a way to win is what I’m really proud of.” Claude Julien"
It has been quite apparent to the fans all year that the Bruins have been off their game. Every time they come out with a force and showcase the energy and passion that was once the key characteristic of the Bruins team, the fans regain their confidence in the team only to be let down – usually during the next game – when the B’s start playing poorly again. The up-and-down play has been difficult to follow and difficult to predict, leading to a lot of letdowns and disappointment.
Part of the issue with not having a consistent style of play is the veterans, rookies and coaching staff not all on the same page when it comes to the style of hockey they should be playing. I for one, am a fan of Claude Julien’s system. I think it is something that has obviously worked for the Bruins organization and has led them to multiple late-round postseason performances. However, sometimes you have to compromise and make some changes that will highlight your players’ strengths.
"“Anybody who knows the game sees that they still struggle in their own end, with coverage and battles, but they also bring a lot on the offensive side. You try and put them against certain lines that they can not do too much damage for you on the defensive side and you go about it that way and so far, they’ve responded well with those kind of assignments.” Julien on Pastrnak and Spooner"
As is ALWAYS pointed out when discussing the Bruins organization’s decision making abilities, players like Tyler Seguin, which do not fit the Bruins mold are sent packing. I feel like this is usually the best decision for both the team and the player – Seguin would never have been the type of player he is now if he continued as a Bruin. Now, we have two young players that are heading in the right direction, but are being slightly held back by the coaching staff – at least it appears this way. Sometimes you have to let the strings loose a little to get the best results. I’m not saying that the players should dictate the way that the team is run, but compromising a little could get rid of the Jekyll and Hyde personalities and help the team find their true style.
Mar 12, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron (37) reacts after scoring a goal during the third period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at TD Banknorth Garden. The Boston Bruins won 3-2 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Then you have players that have consistently put in the effort and made it a point to really give it their all in every game they play. Bergeron is the epitome of a team player with a lot of skill. However, there are times that even he cannot help the Bruins when the rest of the team is slacking. The entire team has to get their act together and start playing as a single unit to up their game and prove all the naysayers wrong.
Right now, the numbers are in the Bruins favor. They are currently sitting three points ahead of the Senators and three points behind the Capitals and Red Wings (Red Wings and Senators both have a game in hand). With only a handful of games left, the Bruins should make it into the postseason. But if they want to make it past the first round, it is imperative that they figure out what kind of team they are and what style of hockey they want to play. When it comes down to it, we have to have faith that the coaching staff knows what they’re doing and will lead the team to a successful post season.