Bruins Lose to Flyers, 3-2, in Overtime

Takeaways

• With Jaroslav Halak placed on the COVID-19 protocols and Tuukka Rask still working his way back from an injury, rookie Dan Vladar got his fourth start in the net for the Bruins and played well enough to get a win. He made 29 saves, including some big saves in regulation and in overtime. Before Sanheim beat him for the game-winning goal on a breakaway, he made a big pad save on Sanheim on the shift before. Cutting in alone, Sanheim tried to go right to left on Vladar, but the 6-foot-5 goalie used all of his big frame to stop the shot with his pad. Jeremy Swayman backed up Vladar.
• David Pastrnak had six goals in three games against the Flyers this season, with two hat tricks. Monday night, however, Philadelphia held him to just one assist, on Bergeron’s power play goal.
• Kuhlman got the Bruins on the board in the first period when his beautiful placed shot under the crossbar on Flyers’ goalie Brian Elliott. Charlie Coyle provided a perfect screen on Elliott, which allowed Kuhlman’s shot to find the back of the net. Boston got lucky as there should have been a tripping penalty called on the Philly clearing attempt, but no call was made, allowing Kuhlman to score.
• The Bruins were a blistering 9-for-17 entering the game on the man advantage against the Flyers this season but managed only Bergeron’s goal in two tries. Despite not scoring on the second power play, the Bruins had good puck possession and zone time. The PP is something they need to take advantage of in the final two games against Philadelphia.
• Jake DeBrusk returned to the lineup after 17 days and a bout with COVID-19. In 19 shifts, he had one shot on the net.
• Boston needs to take advantage of the defensive zone breakdowns of the Flyers. In the first period, Charlie McAvoy floated down the slot unmarked and hit the post with a wrist shot off a pass from Trent Frederic. There is a reason why Philly has a minus-22 in goal differential this season.