Bruins Point Streak Ends
The Bruins lost in regulation last night for the first time since the 14th of December. The Anaheim Ducks beat the Bruins 3-1 and now the Ducks have beaten the Bruins nine times in a row. A lackluster effort in the first period by the Bruins resulted in the Ducks potting two goals and not looking back. The Bruins responded with two strong periods but were unable to get the puck past Gibson. Gibson appeared to tweak a groin muscle in the third period and was replaced by Ryan Miller for the last 13 minutes of the third period.
The Bruins looked like they were snoozing in the first and were unable to get any offensive flow going. The Ducks dominated the first and put up 15 shots on net and scored twice. After the first intermission the Bruins woke up and outplayed the Ducks over the rest of the game but ran into strong goaltending by Gibson and were unable to make the comeback this time. Spooner put a puck home late in the third to make the score 2-1 but shortly after the Ducks scored an empty netter and put the game away.
The Bruins are getting hit with the injury bug again, they lost Bjork to an upper body injury early in the first period and then lost Backes late in the third period after an awkward collision with Ducks’ Nick Ritchie. Backes was seen on the ice for the Bruins’ morning skate and is participating in line rushes. Bjork and Acciari are not skating at practice today. Now the Bruins have three injured players in Bjork, Acciari and McAvoy. The Bruins did just recall Peter Cehlarik from the AHL on an emergency basis to address the injuries. Cehlarik has played well in the AHL with 13 points in 17 games.
The Bruins point streak of 18 games was tied for their longest point streak in history and even though it’s over this streak gave Bruins’ fans real confidence in this team. The beginning of the season the Bruins looked rough and that was mostly because of their inexperienced lineup but now these kids have gotten games under their belts and they have found their groove in the NHL. It has been amazing to watch these young players transition so fluidly into the NHL and contribute on a nightly basis. Big expectations were labeled to guys like McAvoy and DeBrusk and they have certainly lived up to the hype but players like Heinen , Grzelcyk and Kuraly were wild cards. All three have played major roles throughout the season, Heinen leads the Bruins rookies in points with 33, Grzelyk has been a blessing on the back end creating more offensive chances when he is on the ice and Kuraly has been anchoring the fourth line with solid defensive play and penalty kill action. The Bruins should have a strong foundation of youth for years to come.
The Bruins sit fourth in the entire NHL with 66 points, thanks in large part to that streak. This team has inspired a ton of confidence and has real depth that could take them deep into the playoffs. The Bruins will return to action tomorrow night to take on the St. Louis Blues.
Written By Tyler Smith (@TylerSmith4386)