1. The lack of discipline was the difference between a regulation win and a shootout win for the Boston Bruins.
Once again, the Bruins played a very undisciplined game. They committed five penalties, awarding the Flyers with five powerplay opportunities. However, unlike the previous three games, the B’s were unable to kill every penalty.
The Flyers managed to score two goals on a Boston penalty kill that was perfect before last night’s game. These two goals were the difference between a 4-2 regulation victory and a 5-4 shootout win.
The fact is the B’s are taking way too many penalties. Through the first four games they have had to kill five penalties in three of the game and three in one.
This undisciplined play needs to end. Penalties can be the downfall to winning a game as they change momentum and can take key players off the ice.
I’m not saying that the Bruins need to play without taking any penalties because this just isn’t realistic. But, they need to cutdown on the number of penalties they take. Five per game is just too many and kills any momentum the team has going and ultimately wears down guys like Bergeron and Marchand and all the others that have to kill these penalties.
Overall, these penalties proved costly for Boston tonight and is now also the difference between being behind the Flyers in the standings by two points instead of one. Being able to put away your opponent in regulation is so much more important this season as every game is against a division foe.