Boston Bruins: B’s still show their advantages in OT loss
By jc
Don’t let the final score fool you. Boston’s forwards still have the upper hand over Toronto’s defense.
The Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs had their first matchup of the season, and it certainly did not disappoint.
The Bruins twice came back from deficits but ultimately lost 4-3 in overtime. Mitch Marner had the winner for the Leafs.
Toronto jumped out to a two-goal lead in the first period thanks to a couple Boston turnovers. After that, Boston finally got some secondary scoring to get back in the game.
The Bruins cut the lead to one late in the period when Jake DeBrusk got his first of the season. He took a great pass from Charlie Coyle and rifled a shot home.
The second period was scoreless, but Danton Heinen tied the game on the power play in the third. Again, secondary scoring came up big for Boston.
Toronto regained the lead midway through the third, only to see if vanquish off the stick of David Pastrnak. Pastrnak continued his hot streak and nabbed his ninth goal of the young season.
The game went to overtime, where Boston and Toronto traded chances. Marner eventually capitalized with some tired Bruins on the ice to give the Leafs the extra point.
Even in an overtime loss, the Bruins still displayed the advantages they have over the Maple Leafs.
The Bruins looked like the better team from start to finish, particularly in the second and third periods. The Leafs finished with 29 shots on goal, and they really didn’t generate a ton of offensive chances. A couple of their games came on fortunate bounces or Boston turnovers.
Boston meanwhile generated a number of chances in the attacking zone. The Bruins had 46 total shots on goal, thanks in part to three power play opportunities. They were a bit unlucky to only score three goals.
Based on this game, it’s clear that the Bruins forwards still have major advantages over their counterparts. Toronto’s defense remains a weakness that Boston can exploit.
Toronto’s top two d-men, Morgan Rielly and Tyson Barrie are great offensively, but they’re far from shutdown defensemen. And Jake Muzzin is solid, but he’s a second-pairing guy at best.
The Leafs simply don’t have enough on the backend to consistently handle Boston’s forwards. As a result, Pastrnak and Brad Marchand will continue to wreak havoc whenever they play Toronto.
Don’t put too much stock in the outcome of Saturday night’s game. Toronto won’t always get the fortunate bounces, and Frederik Andersen can’t have 40 saves every night.
The same weaknesses that plagued Toronto in the playoffs against Boston the last two years are still there. Toronto’s defense remains a weak spot, and until the Leafs fix it, they’ll be stuck behind Boston.
The Bruins will look to get their revenge on the Leafs next Tuesday night back in Boston. If the B’s bring the same level of energy, they’ll bounce back with a win.