Takeaways following Bruins’ loss vs. Red Wings

For the first time this season, we are talking about a Boston Bruins regular season loss. Surprisingly, but also not too surprisingly, it was a loss to the Detroit Red Wings.

On Saturday night, after handling the Red Wings quite easily the weekend before to the tune of a 4-1 victory, the Bruins were expecting an equally well-matched game this weekend that they figured would go their favor as well.

Unfortunately, for Boston, they did everything they could, but were unable to pick up the win, falling in regulation for the first time this season by a score of 5-4 to Detroit on Saturday night.

Moving into the next week, here’s what we can take away.

Takeaway #1 – Linus Ullmark is NOT the answer in net

I think it’s officially become clear that Linus Ullmark is not the answer in net moving forward for the Bruins.

Not only has he allowed the most goals of all goaltenders on the roster, but he has allowed as many goals as his counterpart, Jeremy Swayman, has allowed all season in just his last two games. That’s seven goals in two games.

The bright side to Ullmark’s game is he wasn’t pulled and has made 35 saves in consecutive games, but the reality is the numbers mean nothing if you’re not winning.

Takeaway #2 – The third period is not the Boston’s period this year so far

So far in 2023, Boston has been outscored 10-8 in the third period with two games leading to come from behind losses, including Saturday night’s game.

In fact, Saturday night was one of the worst offenders where the Bruins allowed three third period goals despite going into the final frame of play with a 3-2 lead. They did get one late, but it was too little too late.

To make matters worse for Boston, it wasn’t due to bad penalties, it was just poor defense and goaltending.

Takeaway #3 – Matthew Poitras is adjusting to NHL life just fine

The biggest hesitation to keeping Matthew Poitras around was whether or not he would adjust to the speed of the NHL and be able to play the way he did during the preseason.

Turns out, he has adjusted to the professional game with little to no issues whatsoever. In Saturday night’s loss, Poitras collected his second career multi-point night when he scored a goal and collected an assist.

With the goal and the assist, he is now at seven points (4 goals, 3 assists). On top of the statistics that get you to immediately to cheer for the 19-year-old, he also holds a +4 plus/minus rating. Whether you were for keeping him or not, you have to admit those are impressive numbers.

What’s next for the Bruins?

Up next, the Bruins continue their road trip when they take on the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center – puck drop is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. EST on NESN.