Special teams: C+
Boston’s special teams units have been a mixed bag this year. Both the power play and penalty kill can certainly be better.
The Bruins power play units are pretty much the same as they were last year. Bergeron, Marchand, Pastrnak, DeBrusk, and Krug make up the top group.
At times, Boston’s top power play unit looks unstoppable. Bergeron’s second-period goal against the Devils is a great example. The Bruins moved the puck around effortlessly, DeBrusk wreaked havoc out front, and Bergeron scored on a rebound.
However, even with the top unit out there, the Bruins give up too many shorthanded chances. This was an issue last year, as Boston led the league in shorthanded goals conceded. They need to clean this up.
Boston’s penalty kill looked great in the home opener. Granted, the Devils entered the game with zero power play goals, but the Bruins did their job.
This wasn’t the case in the first four games. Boston only killed seven of the first 10 penalty kill opportunities. And if it wasn’t for big saves by Rask and Halak, this may have been worse.
Expect the Boston’s special teams play to be better sooner rather than later.
The Bruins enjoyed a strong five-game stretch to start the season. They once again look like one of the best teams in the conference. Even with that, the Bruins still have plenty of opportunities to be better.