For the second time in 10 days, the Boston Bruins and San Jose Sharks met for the final time in the 2026-27 season. The Bruins captured the first meeting in Northern California last week, 6-3, and you knew that San Jose was going to be motivated in the rematch for some revenge.
However, an offensive onslaught by both teams in the final 20 minutes led to a 6-4 Boston win, sweeping the season series from San Jose. Here are three takeaways after the Bruins improved to 9-2-1.
Bruins' issues clearing pucks out backfired in the first period
The Bruins were trapped in their defensive zone a couple of times in the first period, and thanks to Swayman, somewhat survived it. However, on San Jose's first power-play opportunity, they had some bad luck and, well, were not able to clear the puck out of the zone and paid for it.
A clearing attempt hit Tanner Jeannot in the back and stayed in the zone. Seconds later, the puck made its way to a wide-open Michael Misa at the left post, and he was able to slide the puck into an open net. Boston's penalty kill has been good, but the inability, bad break or not, will come back to haunt you. It was one of those periods.
Bruins power play continues to be an issue
A lot of people think the Bruins are a good team, and maybe they are. However, could you imagine how good they could be with a functional power play that converts every once in a while? Oh, and they do turn the puck over and gift the other team goals? Remember the Ottawa Senators game earlier this month? Well, it struck again against the Sharks.
First of all, they were back to overpassing on the power play, force-feeding David Pastrnak, and Pastrnak, well, made some bad passes. However, Elias Lindholm turned the puck over at the defensive blueline, and Kiefer Sherwood broke in on a long pass and beat Swayman. When the Bruins value the puck and make smart plays, they're tough to beat. When they gift teams goals, it's tough for them to win. The last two power plays in the second period were with a 2-1 Black and Gold, which they were not able to build on. Instead, they allowed the game-tying goal. Both Sharks' goals in the first two periods were preventable.
Fraser Minten did score a big goal on the power play in he third period, but more consistency is needed.
Bruins continue third-period success
Tied 2-2 going into the third period, the stats favored the Black and Gold. They were a plus/minus of plus-16 in the final 20 minutes, while the Sharks were a minus-7. An offensive explosion happened, and it favored the Bruins.
They scored four goals. After Dmitry Orlov gave San Jose a 3-2 lead on the power play, David Pastrnak, James Hagens, Minten, and Will Borgen- yes, defenseman Will Borgen- hit the open net for the second time this season aaginst the Sharks. With a two-game road trip aaginst the Carolina Hurricanes and St. Louis Blues coming up, two points were necessary.
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