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Boston Bruins: Random Thoughts Ahead of a Tough Stretch

By Scott Roche

Feb 13, 2021; Uniondale, New York, USA; New York Islanders goalie Semyon Varlamov (40) makes a save on a shot by Boston Bruins right wing Craig Smith (12) during the second period at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2021; Uniondale, New York, USA; New York Islanders goalie Semyon Varlamov (40) makes a save on a shot by Boston Bruins right wing Craig Smith (12) during the second period at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 18, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Nick Ritchie (21) reacts on a goal past New Jersey Devils goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood (29) by defenseman Charlie McAvoy (73) (not pictured) during the third period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Nick Ritchie (21) reacts on a goal past New Jersey Devils goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood (29) by defenseman Charlie McAvoy (73) (not pictured) during the third period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

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.

Must Read. Bruins: Kevan Miller's days in Boston numbered?. light

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.

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