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Boston Bruins: Two Advantages to Closing Out Capitals Early

By Scott Roche

May 17, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Boston Bruins center Brad Marchand (left) reacts after scoring the winning goal against the Washington Capitals during the first overtime period in game two of the first round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
May 17, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Boston Bruins center Brad Marchand (left) reacts after scoring the winning goal against the Washington Capitals during the first overtime period in game two of the first round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 23, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron (37) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Washington Capitals during the third period in game five of the first round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
May 23, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron (37) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Washington Capitals during the third period in game five of the first round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Bruins finished the season with a compacted schedule.

In mid-March, the Bruins were forced into their own COVID-19 shutdown that lasted a week. Because of that shutdown, Boston finished the regular season with 27 games in 48 days, which is tough, especially dealing with injuries. Hockey is a game where the body can take a beating on a nightly basis, which can wear down a player over time.

In most cases in the postseason, teams are not allowed the opportunity to have two days off the ice, then have at least three days of practice to work on things ahead of their next series. Closing out Washington in five games gives the Black and Gold that chance now.

It also didn’t help that Bruins had to deal with a pair of early-season COVID-19 of two of their opponents in February. They lost two games at home against the Buffalo Sabres, then some with the New Jersey Devils. Again, their shutdown in mid-March didn’t help their cause either.

Despite the condensed schedule, Boston was still able to finish in third place in the East Division and finished off the second-place Capitals in five games.

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