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Boston Bruins: 4 Keys to the Final Nine Games

By Scott Roche

Apr 1, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand (63) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins in the third period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Kathryn Riley-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand (63) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins in the third period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Kathryn Riley-USA TODAY Sports /
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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – APRIL 15: Crag Smith #12 of the Boston Bruins celebrates with Davi Krejci #46 and Charle McAvoy #73 after scoring a goal against the New York Islanders during the first period at TD Garden on April 15, 2021, in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – APRIL 15: Crag Smith #12 of the Boston Bruins celebrates with Davi Krejci #46 and Charle McAvoy #73 after scoring a goal against the New York Islanders during the first period at TD Garden on April 15, 2021, in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Special Teams

The Bruins penalty kill has been at the top of the NHL for most of the season, but two recent power play goals from the Sabres in Friday’s win in three opportunities dropped the Bruins to second.

Jeremy Lauzon has been the best penalty killer on defense this season, while Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron, Sean Kuraly, Charlie Coyle, Curtis Lazar, and other forwards have done their job as forwards.

Marchand and Bergeron each have three shorthanded goals, which is a welcomed sight, but not something the Bruins should be counting on each night. In recent games, Boston has had a parade to the penalty box, which is rare as they have become an undisciplined team and take penalties. Regardless, killing penalties is going to be key in the final nine games.

On the other hand, the Bruins power play has struggled and will need to get going if they are going to get into the playoffs.

There is too much talent on both units really, to be struggling as they have. In a lot of their recent chances, the Bruins have struggled with one entry and even having sustained one time.

With the addition of Taylor Hall from the Sabres in an April 11 trade, it gives the Bruins two pretty good units to roll out. At this point, they will take either unit to get hot and produce much-needed goals down the stretch.

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