Boston Bruins: Fear and Loathing Against Buffalo Sabres
The Boston Bruins came into the game with Buffalo eager to set aside the shocking decision that cost them the game and at least a point in Toronto. The Buffalo Sabres were more than happy to spoil Rick Nash’s welcome party.
First Period
As expected by a team who played against the speedy Toronto Maple Leafs the night before the Boston Bruins took a while to find their legs. It’s not excuse mind you, the Buffalo Sabres also played on the road last night.
Although the Bruins would outshoot the Sabres 8-6 in the first, Boston went into the locker room down by two goals courtesy of Benoit Pouliot and Kyle Okposo. A relatively even period that the Bruins would feel more than slightly aggrieved to be behind after the first frame.
Second Period
The Boston Bruins certainly found their legs in the second frame. Looking to get back into the tilt, the B’s began raining shots upon Chad Johnson in the Sabres net.
Charlie McAvoy would get the Bruins back within one with some dominant play down low by the top line before Pastrnak fed McAvoy who wristed one home past Johnson. The Bruins would outshoot the Sabres 16-8 in the second but managed to only score a single goal whilst also conceding.
Third Period
Continuing to huff and puff, the Bruins couldn’t make a considerable impact on the Buffalo Sabres net.
The Bruins would marginally outshoot the Sabres 11-10 in the final frame but to be honest looked absolutely spent. This road trip has taken a lot out of them and they need to recuperate. I don’t think it’s time for alarm bells just yet but the warning signs are there especially on the blue-line.
The Buffalo Sabres have finished 2-1-1 against the Boston Bruins, not great against a non-competitive divisional rival.
A final score of 4-1 against the hapless Buffalo Sabres is a tough result to take.
Post-Game Thoughts
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The second defensive pairing continues to be a huge problem for the Boston Bruins. Torey Krug is too much of a liability on the blue-line without providing enough offense to forgive his defensive frailties. Brandon Carlo was taken out of the lineup following his car crash performance last night in Toronto.
Carlo’s replacement Adam McQuaid was on the ice for all four goals that the Bruins conceded this evening. You have to look at the fact both D-men played with Krug and have had shocking performances. One positive was that even strength although conceding three goals, McQuaid’s Corsi was 66.67%
Riley Nash will be quick to forget this game. In all situations finishing with a 29.17 CF% and being on the ice for two of the goals conceded. His line mates Danton Heinen and David Backes joined Riley Nash at the bottom of team stats in terms of Corsi. 43.75% and 50.00% respectively.
Moving Forward
A tired Boston Bruins both physically and mentally will return to TD Garden for a pivotal six-game home stand.
Rick Nash didn’t exactly turn many heads in this game, but given how much he has gone through in such a short space of time it would be unfair to criticise. Let him get settled into Boston and hear the noise of TD Garden welcome him on Tuesday against the Carolina Hurricanes.