Boston Bruins: Random Thoughts Ahead of a Tough Stretch
Since the Boston Bruins started the season 10-1-2, they have struggled in their last nine games, going 3-5-1. They have gone from the top spot in the East Division, down to being tied for third place, just two points ahead of the Philadelphia Flyers for the fourth and final playoff berth.
There have been many reasons for the recent Bruins slide. Injuries have piled up on defense, the power play continues to be non-existent and they have been on the road for what seems like an eternity. They have played 13 of their first 22 games away from the TD Garden.
Eventually, the schedule will even out and each team will play 56 games, 26 at home and 26 on the road. There are still two months left in the regular season, but the Bruins are beginning a stretch of games against some of the top teams in the East Division.
Bruins gearing up for a long, tough stretch of games.
Beginning tonight, the Bruins begin a stretch that has them playing seven games in the next 11 days. Boston makes their fourth and final trip, thankfully, in the regular-season to Long Island to play the New York Islanders tonight. They have lost their first three trips.
Following the game, the Black and Gold will head home for two games on Thursday and Saturday against the all-of-a-sudden hot New York Rangers. A four-game road trip follows, with two games each at the Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabres.
Bruins need to take care of business against the bottom teams in the division.
Securing two points against the New Jersey Devils and Sabres is almost a must on a nightly basis. They have not played the Sabres yet this season, but Boston is 1-2-1 against the Devils. After winning the first game of the season in a shootout over NJ, they lost the next game in overtime, then have dropped the last two games against the Devils at the TD Garden in regulation. In four games, the B’s have just five goals against the NJ goalie tandem of Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood.
Bruins have to fix some pressing issues.
One thing that would go a long way in turning things around for the Bruins is getting more production from their power play. They have gone scoreless in their last six games, four of which have been losses.
Secondary scoring, which has been an issue for the Bruins over the years and one thing that general manager Don Sweeney has tried to address in previous years without much luck, is something the Bruins could use more of. In a 4-1 win over the Rangers on Feb. 28, two goals from Charlie Coyle and once each from Trent Frederic and Charlie McAvoy paved the way for a 4-1 win. Nick Ritchie has stepped up by supplying the Bruins with eight goals on the second-line, but Jake DeBrusk has scored just one goal, which came on the power play in a 3-2 loss to the Devils on Feb. 18.
Getting healthy is a priority.
Injuries happen and every team deals with them. It seems like the Bruins have been hit hard this season, especially on the blueline. Currently, Jeremy Lauzon is out for a month after surgery on his fractured hand, Kevan Miller is having knee issues again and Brandon Carlo is week-to-week following his hit from Tom Wilson of the Washington Capitals Friday night.
The Bruins will be leaning on some of their younger defensemen, Jakub Lauko and Urho Vaakanainen, along with recent addition Jarred Tinordi, who was claimed off of waivers from the Nashville Predators. The recent pairing of Grzelcyk and McAvoy is one that could be a top pairing in the league. There is a lot to like with that pairing as each game passes by.
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There is no question the Bruins have struggled as of late, but they have an opportunity to turn things around in the next 10 days, beginning tonight against their nemesis so far in 2021, the New York Islanders.