Bruins
Boston appeared formidable after 20 minutes, earlier than a disastrous second body helped seal its destiny.
The Bruins had a surprisingly sturdy first two video games following a commerce deadline that overhauled their lineup.
However Thursday’s loss to the Senators was a actuality examine for Boston, and Saturday evening confirmed much more weak spot for a lineup decimated by accidents and trade-aways.
All issues thought of, the Bruins’ first interval towards the Lightning appeared like a rebound. Boston allowed an early aim to Tampa Bay, however in contrast to Thursday evening, the staff responded shortly and ended the body a good 1-1.
The second interval although, was a catastrophe.
The Bruins didn’t file a single shot on aim in these 20 minutes, and surrendered three objectives to the Lightning over that point. Jeremy Swayman made key saves to reduce the blow, however Boston nonetheless discovered itself in a steep uphill battle on account of its offensive woes.
“They had been only a higher staff tonight from begin to end,” Bruins coach Joe Sacco mentioned postgame. “We clearly have to wash up a couple of issues from this recreation tonight. … After which we now have to maneuver ahead.”
Followers at TD Backyard weren’t happy at how the interval went, and rained boos down on the ice because the Bruins trotted to the locker room.
Boston bought one aim again within the third, however it wasn’t practically sufficient to undo the harm that was already completed.
“They had been simply faster to pucks than we had been, they gained extra one-on-one battles,” Sacco mentioned. “We had a tough time executing any performs popping out of our D-zone, we had a troublesome time dealing with their strain tonight.”
With every recreation the Bruins lose, their playoff odds dwindle additional — they’ve a 4.5 % likelihood to make the playoffs, in accordance with MoneyPuck.
A postseason berth was already a protracted shot earlier than the commerce deadline, and much more so after it. However a loss to Tampa Bay nearly solidifies an earlier finish to the season than Boston hoped for.
The Bruins return to TD Backyard on Monday earlier than heading west for a five-game roadtrip. Sacco hopes Boston places a greater product on the ice for its dwelling crowd towards the Sabres.
“We’ve got yet another dwelling recreation right here earlier than we hit the highway and we now have to deliver a recreation worthy of how we’re in a position to play,” Sacco mentioned.
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