Tommy’s Takes: Bruins’ Best & Worst of the Week

The past week has been a rollercoaster for the Boston Bruins, filled with both disappointing lows and a glimmer of hope to end it. After a promising 3-0-0 start to the season, the team skidded into a six-game losing streak that tested the patience of fans and coaches alike. However, the Bruins managed to snap their losing streak with a 3-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday. Despite the win, there are still areas of concern for the team as they move forward.

The Best:

• Jeremy Swayman's Performance: Goaltender Jeremy Swayman was a major factor in the Bruins' victory against the Avalanche, stopping 31 shots. Swayman's performance helped the Bruins end their losing streak. After a shaky start to the season, Swayman has allowed a total of four goals in the three victories.
• Morgan Geekie's Hustle and Scoring Touch: Morgan Geekie has been a bright spot for the Bruins, displaying hustle and a knack for scoring. His late second-period goal against the Avalanche proved to be the game-winner, showcasing his awareness and determination. Geekie has been exceptional, with four goals in his last three games.
• Mason Lohrei's Playmaking Ability: Rookie defenseman Mason Lohrei showcased his offensive potential with three assists in the win against Colorado. Lohrei's vision and passing skills provided a boost to the Bruins' attack.
• Viktor Arvidsson's Offensive Contributions: Arvidsson scored his first goal of the season against the Avalanche. The 32-year-old winger has a point in three straight contests.

The Worst:

• Defensive Breakdowns: Throughout the losing streak, defensive breakdowns were a recurring theme. In the 7-5 loss to the Anaheim Ducks, the Bruins surrendered multiple leads and struggled to contain the Ducks' offensive attack. Coach Marco Sturm has expressed frustration with the team's defensive-zone coverage.
• Lack of Consistent Offense: Even with the victory over the Avalanche, the Bruins' offense has struggled to generate consistent scoring chances. The team ranks low in the league in expected goals for per 60 minutes, indicating a need for improvement in their offensive system. The Bruins are getting out-chanced by their opponents on most nights.
• Hampus Lindholm's Injury: The Bruins' defense has been weakened by the lower-body injury to Hampus Lindholm. Lindholm's absence has forced the team to shuffle their defensive pairings and rely on younger, less experienced players. Jordan Harris is also considering surgery for a lower-body injury.
• Losing Streak Mentality: The six-game losing streak took a toll on the team's confidence and morale. After the loss to the Ducks, goaltender Joonas Korpisalo expressed embarrassment, highlighting the team's disappointment with their performance.

Looking Ahead:

The Bruins face the Ottawa Senators on Monday. To build on their win against the Avalanche, the Bruins need to address their defensive issues and find ways to generate more consistent offense. Coach Sturm has emphasized the need for everyone to contribute and for the team to stick to their system. With key players returning from injury and a renewed focus on team play, the Bruins have the potential to turn their season around.