3. More power play opportunities
The Bruins enter Tuesday’s game against Montreal with one of the league’s top power play units. So far, Boston has 22 power play goals in 71 opportunities.
Although Boston did have a power play goal, that top power play didn’t make a big difference in the last game against Montreal. Why?
The Bruins only had two power play opportunities in Montreal. This is below their season average.
We can’t expect the Bruins, or any team for that matter, to get a lot of power plays in Montreal. Anybody who watches Bruins-Canadiens games knows how that works.
However, the Bruins can draw more penalties if they bring their skating legs on Tuesday. The Bruins are the faster and more talented team. As long as they play their game, power play opportunities should come.
And once the Boston gets those opportunities, expect good things. That top power play unit, especially with Krug back in the lineup, is too good not to score.
We saw that last time against Montreal when David Pastrnak scored early in the first power play opportunity. There’s no reason to believe that won’t happen again.
Montreal is better than most expected this season, but the Bruins remain the superior team. If Halak plays well, Krug and Carlo bounce back, and the forwards generate more power play opportunities, the Bruins will win. We’re in for a good one on Tuesday night!