3. Special teams
After failing to capitalize in their first three power plays, the Bruins scored a man-advantage goal late in the third period when Smith completed his hat trick when he tipped a pass from Krejci by Tokarski.
In the first three opportunities, the Bruins went scoreless with four shots on the net. With Boston closing in on a playoff berth, it might be time for Cassidy to try some different things. Earlier this season, he went with a five-forward power play when Grzelcyk was out injured and it fared well. Will he go to that in the playoffs? Unlikely, but hey, anything that can get the units going is worth a shot as the regular season schedule comes to a close.
There has been less practice time available for Boston due to the condensed schedule of the season, but with the way the Bruins are playing now, if they ever get the power play producing, then watch out come playoff time.
It was another perfect game for the Bruins’ second-ranked penalty kill. In two chances, the Sabres came up empty. In their chance in the third period, Jeremy Swayman, who won his sixth NHL game in eight tries this season, made a nice glove save.
It was another strong performance for the Bruins against the Sabres to complete the two-game sweep before heading South to New Jersey for two games beginning Monday night.