Recap: Bruins get point but lose 2-1 in shootout to Canucks

With where they are at in the standings, the Boston Bruins need every point they can get.

Unfortunately, they were only able to grab one against the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday.

The Bruins fell 2-1 in a shootout to the Canucks. Thatcher Demko slightly out-dueled Jeremy Swayman in the crease to grab the win for Vancouver. Patrice Bergeron was the lone goal scorer for the B’s.

The loss dropped the Bruins to 12-8-2 on the season and have lost back-to-back games in overtime/shootout.

1st period

Really nothing exciting in the opening frame besides a what the hell call was that on Nick Foligno.

2nd period

It looked like the Bruins were going to grab a 1-0 in the second when Erik Haula took an outlet pass, came down on a breakaway and undressed Demko for the goal.

However, the Canucks challenged for offsides and the goal was taken back. Still no score.

The Canucks took advantage of a weak interference call on Brad Marchand and scored on the ensuing power play.

Fitting that it was Brock Boeser, who the Bruins passed on in the 2015 draft, that tipped the shot to put the Canucks ahead.

Just like last game against Vancouver, Boston found itself down one heading into the final period.

3rd period

Similar to last time with the Canucks, the Bruins got a man-advantage situation, this time a 5 on 3 towards the start of the period.

Bergeron, with the bubble and all, tipped a Charlie McAvoy shot from the point passed Demko to tie the game.

Pretty well executed off the draw. Bruins needed to capitalize and they did.

Both Demko and Swayman made some big saves down the stretch and the game went to OT.

OT

Similarly to regulation, it was Demko and Swayman keeping things alive for both sides. To a shootout we go.

Shootout

In round 1, Elias Pettersson was stopped by Swayman and David Pastrnak missed the net.

J.T. Miller was able to slip one by Swayman on a nifty backhand-forehand move.

After Charlie Coyle was denied by the blocker on his attempt, Bo Horvat ended the game, beating Swayman high to send Vancouver home with the extra point in the 2-1 win.

Notes

• What a frustrating game. This was the easiest of the three-games out in Western Canada and to come away with just a point is inexcusable. The Bruins needed this one badly and just couldn’t get it done
• Part of that frustration came from the officials. I try not to complain about them but the unsportmanlike conduct call on Foligno was atrocious and so was the interference on Marchand that led to the Boeser goal. Just confusing
• Swayman was excellent again and kept the Bruins in this game. He’s the reason they came away with at least a point. He looks like he could be pulling away as the No. 1 in net
• Is this the softest Bruins team we’ve seen in a while? Sure feels like it. This is now twice in three games players are taking liberties at Bergeron, this time in Kyle Burroughs cross checking Bergeron in the face. And no one does anything about it. You just watched in the Avalanche game Nathan MacKinnon get trucked by Jacob Trouba and Gabriel Landeskog immediately drops the gloves with him. Players need to answer for their actions if they’re going to do stuff like that and the Bruins just allow it to happen. Where’s Foligno? Or Frederic? Someone?!
• The power play scored again, which was cool. Although they should against a team only killing off 65% of their PKs
• Taylor Hall was invisible again as he was dropped to the second line. Also very cool
• I really don’t get why Jack Ahcan wasn’t in the lineup. You bring him on this trip, but not going to play him against Vancouver? No way he plays against Calgary or Edmonton

Another frustrating loss for this Bruins team. Now you’re already playing catchup on this road trip.

Back again tomorrow against the Edmonton Oilers.