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Boston Bruins: How did Boston’s defense handle Colorado’s top forwards?

By jc

DENVER, COLORADO - OCTOBER 10: Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins celebrates with his bench after scoring a goal against the Colorado Avalanche at Pepsi Center on October 10, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - OCTOBER 10: Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins celebrates with his bench after scoring a goal against the Colorado Avalanche at Pepsi Center on October 10, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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gabriel landeskog avalanche
DENVER, COLORADO – OCTOBER 10: Gabriel Landeskog #92 of the Colorado Avalanche takes a shot against the empty net of the Boston Bruins at Pepsi Center on October 10, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. The Avalanche defeated the Bruins 4-2. (Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Not the best night for Brandon Carlo

Brandon Carlo was one of Boston’s most reliable defensemen over the first three games. He, however, struggled in Denver.

Carlo finished the game with only 15:34 in time on ice. This was lowest among all Bruins defensemen. He did have 1:23 of penalty kill time, but this didn’t go exactly as planned.

In the first period, Landeskog entered the offensive zone on the power play. Carlo was indecisive at the blue line and fell for Landeskog’s head fake.

Landeskog cut inside and fired a shot on Jaro Halak. MacKinnon cleaned it up for a goal to get the Avs back in the game.

Carlo needed to make a better play against Landeskog. He let a player of Landeskog’s caliber skate unopposed into the slot. This put Chara in a bad spot, and the result was a goal.

Carlo was better on Boston’s second penalty kill of the night. He was out there with Matt Grzelcyk and made some strong defensive plays. As such, Colorado did not capitalize on the second power play.

It’s clear that Carlo is best when he’s physical and aggressive. He’s a great skater, but he needs to consistently take advantage of his reach and big frame.

Expect Carlo to bounce back this weekend against the Devils.

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