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  • ESPN Breaks Down the Keys to a Franchise-Altering Bruins Offseason

    ESPN Breaks Down the Keys to a Franchise-Altering Bruins Offseason

    The Boston Bruins finished the 2024-25 season on a down note and didn’t meet expectations. Now that the dust has settled at TD Garden, general manager Don Sweeney has a big job ahead of him: getting the team back in contention. ESPN’s Ryan S. Clark and Kristen Shilton recently outlined the “keys to the offseason” for Boston and here’s the roadmap to fix the franchise.

    Finding Stability Behind the Bench

    First things first, who will be behind the bench? Joe Sacco has been the interim head coach since Jim Montgomery left the team earlier in the season but that needs to be clarified.

    “Sweeney could remove the interim tag from Sacco or explore other options in the coaching market,” Clark and Shilton wrote. Whoever gets the job will be huge in the rebuild especially with the NHL Draft coming up.

    Making the Most of a High Draft Pick

    Boston has a top pick in the upcoming draft and two in the second round. With the state of their prospect pool, that’s even more valuable. The Bruins don’t have the depth of young talent many contenders have, so these picks are crucial for long-term success.

    “Now it’s about determining which of Boston’s young players are ready to make the jump to the NHL,” Clark and Shilton said. Players recalled from Providence in the second half of the season will factor into those decisions, but the organization has to balance developing youth with adding veteran leadership through free agency.

    Building Around the Core

    Despite the challenges, the Bruins still have a solid base to build on. Stars like David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy, Hampus Lindholm, Elias Lindholm, Nikita Zadorov and Jeremy Swayman are under contract, so there’s stability as the team enters the next phase.

    “If (Hampus) Lindholm and McAvoy are healthy and Swayman can get back to being a game-changer in net, the Bruins will be a fun team to watch – if not one that makes the playoffs after a one-year absence,” ESPN said. The roster isn’t starting from scratch, but there’s a lot of work to be done to surround those core pieces with complementary players.

    Leadership and RFA Negotiations

    Another big decision for Sweeney is naming a new captain to replace Brad Marchand who was traded at the deadline. This will set the tone for the locker room culture going forward.

    Also Sweeney has to navigate RFA negotiations with Morgan Geekie and other arbitration eligible players. By July 5th, arbitration eligible players like Geekie have to decide whether to go to a hearing or continue talking to the team.

    “Hopefully for the Bruins Geekie feels the offer from the front office is close enough that he decides to keep talking instead of letting a third party decide,” Clark and Shilton said. Keeping RFA’s like Geekie will be key to being competitive.

    Rebuild in Full Swing

    Several veterans were moved at the deadline and a bunch of prospects are being evaluated so the rebuild is officially underway. Drafting well, developing young players and adding veterans through free agency will determine how quickly the team can get back to the playoffs.

    “It’s not like they’re starting from scratch” ESPN said. But the path back to glory won’t be easy it will require smart decision making and patience from everyone involved.

  • Bruins’ Final Week of Season Sparks Optimism for the Future

    Bruins’ Final Week of Season Sparks Optimism for the Future

    The 2024-25 season has been a tough one for Boston Bruins fans. Missing the playoffs for the first time since 2015-16, dealing with the emotional trade of Brad Marchand, and firing head coach Jim Montgomery have made this one of the toughest seasons in recent franchise history. With one game left before the offseason, the Bruins are staring at a rebuild – or at least a reset.

    But even in the darkest of seasons, there’s always something to be optimistic about. As the Bruins wrap up this tough year, some bright spots have emerged that can be built upon. Here’s what stands out:

    Core Talent Still Shines Bright

    Even in the mess, the Bruins have a base to build on. David Pastrnak is still one of the best in the NHL and a Hart Trophy contender. Charlie McAvoy before his injury was reminding everyone why he’s a #1 defenseman and Jeremy Swayman has bounced back after a rough start to the season due to contract negotiations.

    And there’s hope for Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov too who have gotten better this year. For a team in transition, these core pieces are stability and a foundation to build on for next year.

    Fabian Lysell Breaks Through

    One of the few bright spots in a dull stretch has been Fabian Lysell. The 22 year old rookie finally scored his first NHL goal and added an assist he had earlier in the week against the Devils.

    Lysell’s game is built on aggression and confidence—he’s not afraid to shoot the puck, as seen by 6 shots in 12 minutes on Sunday. In 10 games since being called up, he’s had 3+ shots in 3 games. He’s had some defensive lapses (minus-3 against Buffalo and minus-2 against Chicago) but the Bruins need to see what they have in him. So far, Lysell is showing flashes of what could be a big player down the line.

    Korpisalo Looks Like a Keeper

    When the Bruins got Joonas Korpisalo, everyone raised an eyebrow. Compared to Linus Ullmark, Korpisalo is a reliable backup goalie. His 2.90 GAA this season is a big improvement over his 3.06 career mark entering the year.

    His save percentage has dropped a bit, but Korpisalo looks more like the goalie from his early days in Columbus than the inconsistent one we’ve seen lately. With Jeremy Swayman expected to be better next year, Korpisalo is solid depth in the crease – a must have for any rebuilding team.

    The Baby B’s Are Buzzing

    If you’re a Bruins fan looking for more reasons to smile, look to Providence. The P-Bruins are in the playoffs and loaded with young talent ready to contribute. Georgii Merkulov and Matthew Poitras are both over a point a game, and Dans Locmelis has 8 points in 4 games since signing last week.

    Fraser Minten, acquired in the Brandon Carlo trade, got an NHL call-up after 7 points in 10 games with Providence. Will Zellers, part of the Charlie Coyle deal, has 71 points in 52 games with the Green Bay Gamblers in the USHL. These are good signs, the Bruins pipeline is deeper than it seems.

    Small Wins Can Add Up

    Fabian Lysell, Joonas Korpisalo, and prospects like Merkulov and Minten won’t fix everything overnight, but they are small wins. With cap space this summer and talent coming back, these on the margin gains can complement smart offseason moves.

  • Ex-Bruins Forward Heating Up at Perfect Time for New Team Ahead of Playoffs

    Ex-Bruins Forward Heating Up at Perfect Time for New Team Ahead of Playoffs

    It’s taken a bit of time but Charlie Coyle is finally making an impact with the Colorado Avalanche. After a slow start since being traded from the Boston Bruins, he’s getting hot at the right time.

    A Hot Streak at the Perfect Time

    Coyle extended his point streak to six games Sunday night with a goal and two assists against the Anaheim Ducks. In this hot stretch he’s got 11 points—two goals and nine assists—so he’s getting hot when it matters.

    When Coyle first joined the Avalanche earlier this year he didn’t get going right away. In his first 13 games with Colorado he had two assists. But now the former Bruin is showing why the Avalanche wanted him before the playoff push.

    The Trade That Brought Coyle to Colorado

    The Bruins traded Coyle to the Avalanche as part of their bigger sell-off at the 2025 deadline. In return, Boston got 26 year old center Casey Mittelstadt, prospect Will Zellers and a 2025 2nd round pick. They also get Colorado’s 2026 5th round pick as part of the deal.

    The trade was met with mixed reviews but Coyle’s recent play has the Avalanche looking good. He couldn’t have come up at a better time for a team looking to go deep in the playoffs.

    Playoff Matchup Looms Against Dallas

    The Avalanche has clinched the 3rd seed in the Central Division and will face the Dallas Stars in the first round of the playoffs which start next week. With Coyle playing this well Colorado fans are feeling good about their chances against a tough Stars team.

    Dallas was second in the division so they’re a tough opponent but Coyle’s experience and timing could be the difference.

    Why This Matters for Both Teams

    For the Avalanche, Coyle’s hot streak comes at a great time as they head into what’s going to be a tough playoff run. For the Bruins they hope players like Casey Mittelstadt can fill the void left by Coyle.

    As both teams go through the challenges ahead, all eyes will be on Coyle under pressure. If he’s hot like he is now, he might just be Colorado’s secret weapon.

  • Bruins Prospect Fabian Lysell Scores First NHL Goal

    Bruins Prospect Fabian Lysell Scores First NHL Goal

    In his 11th NHL game, Fabian Lysell finally scored his first goal, scoring his first career NHL goal in Boston’s 4-1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena on Sunday afternoon. The goal came on the power play in the second period and was a big one for the team and the young forward.

    The Moment That Mattered for Lysell

    It took 11 games but Fabian Lysell finally scored in the NHL. The 22 year old winger scored his first career goal in Boston’s 4-1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena on Sunday afternoon.

    The goal came on the power play at 8:42 in the second period. Lysell was parked in front of the net and got a nice pass from Pavel Zacha and wristed it past Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry to make it 2-0 Boston.

    “Just a power play break-in and Pav did a great move and found me back door,” Lysell said in a team-provided video. “I was just trying to get it on net and I was lucky enough to see it go in.”

    A Player to Watch

    Taken in the first round of the 2021 NHL Draft, Lysell has been considered an offensive player for a long time. His skillset fits in perfectly with Boston’s revamped forward group which has struggled all season with scoring depth. While results had eluded him early on, his effort and determination has been evident.

    Since being recalled on March 22, Lysell is second on the Bruins in 5-on-5 shots per 60 (9.73), third in shot attempts per 60 (17.03) and tied for fourth in scoring chances per 60 (7.79). These numbers show his drive to create even with the challenges of adjusting to the NHL.

    “He’s doing some good things with the puck offensively,” Bruins interim head coach Joe Sacco said postgame. “He’s attacking. He’s attacking through the neutral zone, he’s attacking the offensive zone. There’s some things to like in his game, that’s for sure.”

    Sacco added, “I think it means a lot for a guy like him. He sees himself as an offensive player and certainly when you’re in that position you want to produce offensively. And I think especially getting your first one in the National Hockey League, it’s always a weight lifted off your shoulder.”

    Overcoming Challenges

    It hasn’t been easy for Lysell to transition to professional hockey. After 50 points in the AHL last season, he had 34 points in 2024-25 and people were wondering if he was ready for the NHL. Even with key departures like Jake DeBrusk leaving via free agency last summer, Lysell couldn’t crack the Boston lineup during training camp and spent most of the season in Providence.

    But recent games suggest he’s starting to get it. He has 2 points in his last 3 games.

    “You just gotta play a very detailed game because, you know, they’re some of the most skilled players in the world,” Lysell said on the TNT broadcast. “If you turn it over or if you’re not in the right position, they’re gonna make you pay. So that’s probably the biggest transition.”

    Looking Ahead

    As the Bruins head into the offseason, Lysell could be in line for a bigger role next season. Though his journey hasn’t been smooth, Sunday’s goal was a big step forward for the prospect.

    “They’ve been really good for the past couple years and obviously hard to crack the roster,” Lysell said. “But I’m just trying to enjoy it out there and work hard when I’ve been able to come up.”

    With more development, Lysell could be a big piece for Boston, bringing much needed offense to the lineup.

  • Sharks’ Celebrini and Bruins’ Pastrnak Steal Spotlight in NHL Star Power Rankings

    Sharks’ Celebrini and Bruins’ Pastrnak Steal Spotlight in NHL Star Power Rankings

    The San Jose Sharks may not be having the season they wanted but Macklin Celebrini is giving the fans something to be excited about. This week he had the best game of his young career with his first NHL hat trick in an 8-7 overtime loss to the Minnesota Wild. Celebrini didn’t stop there; he also had 2 assists for 5 points and is now in the Sharks record books.

    Celebrini is the first 18 year old in franchise history to have a hat trick, he joins Anaheim Ducks’ Leo Carlsson and Columbus Blue Jackets’ Cole Sillinger as the only 18 year olds in the NHL to do it in the last 8 seasons. His big game was his 4th multigoal game of the season and shows he is getting more and more confident on the ice.

    How Celebrini Dominated Against the Wild?

    Celebrini’s first goal came early in the 1st period thanks to some great puck movement by his teammates. Rookie forward Will Smith sent the puck to defenseman Jack Thompson, who quickly fed it to Celebrini in the slot. Celebrini picked up the puck and swept it past Wild goalie Marc-Andre Fleury.

    His 3rd goal of the night was a beauty. Mid 3rd period, Smith went down the ice and around the net and found Celebrini cutting to the goal. Celebrini roofed it. Fleury was sprawled out and couldn’t do anything as the puck hit the back of the net.

    A Late Surge for the Rookie Sensation

    Celebrini has been slow to get going this season but has really found his stride over the last two months. Since March 1st, he has 6 goals and 14 assists, he’s more than just a prospect. He’s now just 2 points behind Montreal’s Lane Hutson for the rookie scoring lead and he missed time early in the season.

    David Pastrnak Makes History for the Bruins

    Meanwhile David Pastrnak is rewriting the record books even in a down year for the Bruins. In Tuesday’s 7-2 win over the New Jersey Devils he had a goal and 2 assists and reached 100 points for the 3rd time in his career. He’s the first Czech born player in NHL history to do so.

    Pastrnak wasn’t done there. Earlier in the week he had his first career natural hat trick in a 5-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes. He had a hand in all 5 Boston goals, 2 assists to go along with his 3 goals.

    In Saturday’s rematch against the Hurricanes Pastrnak was ridiculous with 2 highlight reel goals. First, he scored from an impossible angle after kicking the puck to himself and shooting it past Frederik Andersen. Then, he deked his way around Andersen for another beauty.

    Over his last 4 games Pastrnak has 5 goals and 8 assists and is now at 42 goals and 58 assists on the season. Even though, the Bruins will miss the playoffs Pastrnak has been a bright spot.

    Jake Sanderson Shines for the Senators

    Ottawa Senators defenceman Jake Sanderson is having the best season of his life. The 21 year old is at 54 points and his 43 assists are second on the team behind Tim Stützle.

    Sanderson has been on fire lately. In his last 5 games he has 3 goals and 2 assists, including a big game in the 3-0 win over the Florida Panthers. Early in that game, he was in the face-off circle and Shane Pinto set him up for a one-timer. Just 3 minutes later he had a secondary assist on a Drake Batherson power-play goal.

    As, the Senators head into the playoffs for the first time since 2017, Sanderson is a must have.

    Adin Hill is the Anchor for the Golden Knights

    Vegas Golden Knights goalie Adin Hill has been a brick wall in net this season with a 31-13-5 record, 2.46 GAA and .908 SV%. He’s been the key to a team looking to get back to the Stanley Cup.

    Hill has been lights out lately. Thursday against the Seattle Kraken he stopped 24 of 25, 11 of them in the 3rd period to preserve the win. In his last 9 games, he’s allowed 1 or fewer goals in 4 of them. He can handle the pressure as the playoffs approach.

    Hill will be the key to their run with the Golden Knights closing in on the top of the Pacific Division.

  • Boston Bruins’ David Pastrnak Achieves Historic Milestone in NHL

    Boston Bruins’ David Pastrnak Achieves Historic Milestone in NHL

    The Boston Bruins delivered a dazzling offensive performance against the New Jersey Devils on April 9, securing a commanding 7-2 victory. Leading the charge was none other than star winger David Pastrnak, whose stellar play continues to make headlines.

    Pastrnak Hits 100, Makes History

    In true Pastrnak fashion, the 28-year-old scored once and had two assists in the Bruins’ win over the Devils. That gives him 100 points for the season.

    According to NHL PR, Pastrnak is the first Czech-born player in NHL history to have three 100-point seasons in a row. He’s a machine.

    Pastrnak’s streak started in 22-23 when he had 113 points in 82 games. Then last season he had 110 points in 82 games. Now in 24-25, he’s got 41 goals, 59 assists, 100 points and proving once again he’s one of the best in the league.

    Bruins Fall to Sabres, but Pastrnak Keeps Rolling

    Just before they beat the Devils, the Bruins lost to the Sabres 6-3 on April 6 . They’re 31-38-9 overall and have lost 11 of their last 12. But Pastrnak has been a bright spot.

    Over his last three games, Pastrnak has been unstoppable: 4 goals, 11 points, +8. And he’s on a 7 game point streak with 7 goals and 9 assists.

    The Bruins are missing the playoffs for the first time in almost 10 years but Pastrnak’s individual numbers are a silver lining. He’s kept himself in the scoring race despite the team around him collapsing.

    Why Pastrnak’s Achievements Matter?

    Pastrnak’s run is about more than numbers—it’s about legacy. By being the first Czech player to have three 100 point seasons in a row he’s cementing his status as one of the NHL’s best. He can produce at this level on a bad team which says a lot about his talent and work ethic.

    For Bruins fans, Pastrnak’s games are a reminder of what’s so great about hockey. Whether it’s his wrist shot, passes or ability to rise to the occasion Pastrnak is still delivering magic that leaves us all in awe.

  • Jakub Lauko Explains Why David Pastrnak Should Be in Hart Trophy Talks

    Jakub Lauko Explains Why David Pastrnak Should Be in Hart Trophy Talks

    The Boston Bruins 2024-25 season will end on April 15 and it’s been a season to forget as they miss the playoffs for the first time in 9 years. While the team has been terrible, one player has been great: David Pastrnak .

    In what’s been the best hockey of his career, Pastrnak is making noise not just for his individual numbers but for his Hart Trophy case. Playing on a team with no other high end talent, Pastrnak is still putting up numbers and leaving teammates like Jakub Lauko in awe and even sparking debate about his MVP candidacy.

    Pastrnak Joins Elite Franchise Company

    On Tuesday against the New Jersey Devils David Pastrnak made Bruins history by becoming only the third player in franchise history after Bobby Orr and Phil Esposito to score three 100 point seasons in a row .

    This is a cruel joke for Pastrnak who is having career numbers on a team that is going to finish last in the league. So the questions are: Should Pastrnak be considered for the Hart Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s most valuable player?

    Teammate Jakub Lauko Backs Pastrnak’s Hart Case

    Jakub Lauko didn’t beat around the bush when talking about Pastrnak’s season.

    “I saw some stats, like he has the most 5-on-5 points and primary [points], which is nuts,” Lauko told Boston.com. “I think he should be in the Hart—because I don’t know where we’d be without him. And I think that’s the definition of Hart, right? The most valuable player for the team.”

    Lauko said Pastrnak isn’t just carrying the Bruins—he’s doing so while making those around him better.

    “And I think he’s still one of the most important players, not just for our team, but maybe in the whole NHL,” Lauko said. “There’s a couple other guys you can say the same about. But just look at his stats and what he’s doing. Like, he should be up there.”

    Why Pastrnak’s Hart Case Faces Challenges?

    Pastrnak’s numbers are impressive but he’s got competition from Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado), Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay) and Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton). Those guys have more points and are leading their teams into the playoffs which is a big factor for Hart Trophy voters.

    Historically playing on a non-playoff team has been a big hurdle for MVP candidates. Take Erik Karlsson’s 2022-23 season for example. He had 101 points and his team was last in the league. He got minimal Hart Trophy votes. Instead, he won the Norris Trophy, a testament to his defensive play rather than his value as an MVP candidate.

    For Pastrnak, it feels like the same situation. Despite his heroics the Bruins not making the playoffs may overshadow his individual numbers when awards season comes around.

    Pastrnak’s Stats Speak for Themselves

    What makes Pastrnak’s season even more impressive is the context. Unlike his previous 100-point campaigns, which came on stacked rosters, this year’s Bruins lack depth and star power. Yet, Pastrnak has thrived regardless.

    • League-Leading Stats:
      • 62 points at 5-on-5, four ahead of second-place Nikita Kucherov.
      • 51 primary points (goals + primary assists), tops in the NHL.
    • Dominance Over Teammates:
      After Tuesday’s three-point performance, Pastrnak now holds a staggering 47-point lead over Boston’s second-leading scorer, Morgan Geekie.
    • Historic Feat:
      Pastrnak became just the fourth player in NHL history —and the first since 1999—to have a hand in 13 consecutive goals for his team, joining legends like Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Jaromir Jagr.

    Even on a Bruins power play that ranks 29th in the league with a dismal 15.3% success rate , Pastrnak has found ways to produce.

    A Leader On and Off the Ice

    Beyond the numbers, Pastrnak’s leadership has grown exponentially this season. Lauko pointed out how Pastrnak’s presence is felt throughout the room.

    “Normally he’s a couple of levels above us,” Lauko said. “The last few games he’s just making us look like Sunday beer leaguers just hanging around. He definitely took his game to a whole other level with the way he’s playing, especially the last couple of games—it’s been something.”

    Lauko continued: “You’re sitting on the bench and you’re looking at him and you just say—‘Holy [expletive].’ Some of the things he’s doing are insane. … But even in the locker room you can tell he’s got a little bit of a different vibe around him. Like when he says something it’s got more weight to it, you know? So yeah, he’s definitely a big leader in the room and especially on the ice.”

  • Bruins’ Offensive Struggles Highlight Need for Major Changes

    Bruins’ Offensive Struggles Highlight Need for Major Changes

    The Bruins’ top line—Pastrnak, Lindholm and Geekie—really showed up for the second game in a row on Sunday night. Lindholm and Geekie scored in the first period. Pastrnak set up Casey Mittelstadt for that power-play goal in the second.

    But that was about it for the rest of the lineup. And that’s been the problem since the trade deadline. The Bruins fell 6-3 to the Buffalo Sabres. That defeat laid bare just how much work this team still needs to do.

    Top Line Carries the Load, But It’s Not Enough

    That top line has been a beacon of hope. Pastrnak in particular has been playing at an elite level. He’s kept the Bruins in games—literally—scoring or setting up 13 of Boston’s last 15 goals over six games. That’s a franchise record. And largely because of him, the Bruins have been competitive.

    But one line isn’t sustainable. Outside of Pastrnak and his wingers, the Bruins have zero offense. In their last three games every goal has involved Pastrnak. This lack of depth is a major problem for the future.

    Mittelstadt’s struggles show second line issues

    The Bruins are counting on Mittelstadt to be their second line center next season but his recent play hasn’t inspired confidence. Before scoring Sunday’s tap in goal from Pastrnak’s pass, Mittelstadt had gone six games without a point.

    Playing with Pavel Zacha, the duo has shown no chemistry. Over the weekend the Bruins were outshot 19-5 with Mittelstadt and Zacha on the ice. If this combination is going to work it will require a significant wing upgrade.

    Free agency offers some options like Mitch Marner but he’ll cost upwards of $14 million a year. It’s a lot to pay but without a top six addition the Bruins are stuck in the middle.

    Prospects Show Promise, But Not Ready Yet

    The Bruins’ young guns have some promise, but none of them are quite ready to step into those top-nine roles just yet.

    Take Marat Khusnutdinov, Matt Poitras and Fraser Minten. You know Khusnutdinov for his speed and tenacity, but he’s only got one point in his last 10 games. Poitras, who was sent to Providence earlier this month, hadn’t scored a goal in 23 games before that. Minten, with his size and two-way smarts, has zero points in his last 12 NHL games.

    These prospects may develop into impact players, but they’re not the solution for next season.

    The fourth line is another area of uncertainty. Mark Kastelic might be the only lock to return next season. As for the others—Johnny Beecher, Cole Koepke and Jakub Lauko—they’re all pending free agents. The Bruins could decide to move on from all three. Even if they bring one or two back, it’ll likely be to fill out the bottom of the roster.

    A Forward Group in Need of Major Rebuilding

    That leaves you wondering how many forwards are locks to make the Bruins’ opening night roster next season. Assuming they re-sign Geekie, the answer is six—at best, barely half a forward group. Defense will get a boost with Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm returning, but the Bruins desperately need upgrades up front. They need at least one top-six forward who can really deliver. Two or three reliable top-nine contributors wouldn’t hurt either. Ideally, a future No. 1 center through the draft would be a nice bonus.

    GM Don Sweeney has his work cut out for him this offseason. Free agency, trades and prospect development will all play critical roles in reshaping this roster. And that’s just the beginning.

  • Bruins Fall Apart in Third Period, Lose Ugly Game to Sabres

    Bruins Fall Apart in Third Period, Lose Ugly Game to Sabres

    The Boston Bruins suffered yet another gut-wrenching collapse on Sunday night. That collapse came at the hands of the Buffalo Sabres, who beat them 6-3 at KeyBank Center. What started as a promising first period quickly fell apart. Boston took that early lead and then just… gave it up. Six unanswered goals later, the Bruins were reeling. That was the 14th time this season they’d allowed six or more goals in a game. That tells you all you need to know about their ongoing defensive struggles—and their inability to keep that momentum going.

    A Promising Start Turns Sour

    Boston came out firing in the first period, scoring twice to set the tone. But the Sabres just wouldn’t let up. They flipped the script entirely in the second and third periods.

    “We just weren’t good enough in the second,” Elias Lindholm said after the game. “And in the third, we were just soft.” He summed it up pretty well. “It’s not good enough. That’s it. We’ve been pretty bad in the second period. Usually we get off to a good start and then fall apart a little bit in the second. It’s tough to win games when that happens.”

    That inability to sustain that first-period momentum has become a real issue for the Bruins. Opponents have been capitalizing on that weakness all season. They turn early deficits into late-game rallies that leave Boston chasing the scoreboard.

    Third-Period Collapse Seals the Loss

    Third-period collapse seals the loss—and the Bruins’ hopes. Interim head coach Joe Sacco acknowledged the team’s struggles, but he also knows mental toughness is what separates winners from losers in those high-pressure situations.

    “We didn’t like giving up that two-goal lead in the second period. Being tied at 3-3 going into the third on the road—well, that’s not a bad spot to be in. Even if you didn’t have a good second period. And then in the third, it’s just about staying focused and keeping the game in front of you,” Sacco said.

    Fatigue and bad decision-making really caught up with the Bruins in that final frame. Breakaways and defensive lapses just snowballed—and Joonas Korpisalo was back out there for an empty-netter in the final seconds.

    Korpisalo’s Struggles Continue

    Korpisalo faced 36 shots from the Sabres. He let in five goals. Over his last two games, that’s 11 goals he’s surrendered. His save percentage against Buffalo this season is now .895.

    “That was a back-to-back for both teams,” Korpisalo said, “and I think in the second period we spent a lot of time in our own zone. I don’t know what to say about that.” Despite that tough outing, Korpisalo remains a key part of Boston’s lineup as they navigate the final stretch of this disappointing season.

    Silver Linings in the Dark Clouds

    While the Bruins’ defense was a mess, there were a few bright spots. Center Morgan Geekie extended his point streak to 7 games, scoring his 5th goal in that span. He also had 8 assists and 3 power play points in that stretch, showing off his offense.

    On the other side, Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is still Boston’s kryptonite, finishing the season 3-0-0 with a .897 save percentage. He made 17 saves Sunday night.

    Playoff Hopes All But Gone

    With Sunday’s loss, the Bruins are 31-38-9 and 11-12-1 in their last 24 games. They have 4 games left and playoff hopes are all but gone.

    The Bruins will try to regroup Tuesday night against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center. Puck drop is 7 p.m. , pregame coverage starts at 6 p.m. on NESN+.

  • Boston Bruins Add Undrafted Cornell Free Agent to Roster

    Boston Bruins Add Undrafted Cornell Free Agent to Roster

    The Boston Bruins have added a nice piece to their organization by signing forward Dalton Bancroft from Cornell University. The team announced the move on Thursday and one of college hockey’s best under the radar prospects.

    Bancroft, 24, signed a one year entry level deal that begins next season. The deal is worth $950,000 in the NHL. For the rest of the 2024-25 season he will join the Providence Bruins on an amateur tryout agreement (ATO) so he can get used to pro hockey.

    Who is Dalton Bancroft?

    6’3” 207 lbs. Bancroft brings size, skill and versatility to the Bruins system. In three seasons with the Big Red at Cornell he had 36 goals and 79 points in 103 games. This season he had a career high 15 goals in 36 games. He showed his offensive upside.

    In 2023-24 he had a breakout year with 31 points in 34 games. He was a key contributor to Cornell winning the ECAC championship and making the NCAA Tournament.

    Before Cornell he dominated the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) with the Aurora Golden Hawks. He was the league scoring champion in 2021-22 with 92 points in 54 games and was MVP.

    Why the Bruins Are Betting on Bancroft?

    The Bruins are clearly betting on Dalton Bancroft to be the next big thing. That decision was sealed last summer at Warrior Ice Arena, where Bancroft attended the Bruins’ development camp. He made a lasting impression there—and not just on the ice.

    The Madoc, Ontario native joins a talented group of college standouts—Ty Gallagher, Jake Schmaltz and Dans Locmelis—signed by Boston in the spring. What sets Bancroft apart is that he wasn’t drafted. That makes his signing all the more impressive.

    What the Bruins see in Bancroft is a combination of size, scoring ability and leadership qualities that could translate very well to the pro level. If that happens, he could become a valuable asset—or even more than that—for the organization. That potential is what makes his signing so noteworthy.

    What’s Next for Bancroft?

    For now, Bancroft will play for the Providence Bruins on an ATO, so he can get some pro hockey and the organization can see if he’s NHL ready.

    Providence head coach Ryan Mougenel will be a big part of his development. The AHL is a physical, fast paced league which will help Bancroft get his game in shape before he potentially makes the jump to Boston next year.

    Bruins Continue to Focus on College Free Agents

    The Bruins have long been fans of college free agents as a way to add to their pipeline. Players like Charlie Coyle and Craig Smith, both un-drafted, have shown that undrafted talent can make a big impact.

    By signing Bancroft, the Bruins are doubling down on their strategy of finding gems outside the draft. His experience, production and leadership skills make him a low risk, high reward addition to the system.