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  • Boston Bruins’ Leaders Sound Off on Team’s Struggles

    Boston Bruins’ Leaders Sound Off on Team’s Struggles

    The Boston Bruins’ struggles got even worse Thursday night as they lost 4-1 to the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre, their 10th in a row. They played well in the first period but fell apart in the second, allowing Montreal to control both the puck and the scoreboard. Here’s what went wrong and what Nikita Zadorov and Elias Lindholm have to say about the team’s slide.

    Bruins Collapse in the Second Period

    The Bruins started strong, outshooting the Canadiens 8-7 in the first period. But the game turned 40 seconds into the second when Christian Dvorak scored his 11th of the season. From there, Montreal took over, outshooting Boston 14-0 before the Bruins got their first shot on goal with 6:28 left in the period.

    Defenseman Nikita Zadorov was blunt when asked about the collapse.

    “Everything,” Zadorov said in Montreal. “We didn’t win any battles. Couldn’t get out of our zone. We got one shot, and two shots on the net in the last five minutes of the period. The other teams are better than us. They want to win more. That’s it. We’re not hard on the puck. We’re easy to play against.”

    Zadorov said the Bruins haven’t done anything right during their losing streak.

    “We lost 10 in a row. I don’t think there are a lot of things going well out there. I don’t know what’s the most important. There’s a lot of things that’s important.”

    Swayman Keeps Bruins in the Game, But It’s Not Enough

    Boston’s Jeremy Swayman was one of the few positives for the Bruins last night. He made 27 saves in the loss. That included a real showstopper of a glove save on Alexandre Carrier. Unfortunately, that wasn’t enough to overcome the team’s defensive woes. Swayman is now 0-7-0 in his last seven starts.

    Elias Lindholm scored Boston’s only goal late in the third period. He was frustrated, as you might expect. “We always seem to find a way to beat ourselves,” he said. “And right now, we’re losing a lot and turning over the puck way too often. Sway kept us in it, gave us a good third period—but there were a lot of things that just didn’t go right.”

    What Needs to Change?

    When asked about the way forward, Lindholm emphasized what he thinks the team needs.

    “A 60-minute effort,” he said. “We haven’t had that in a long time. I think the last time we won a game, we actually had that kind of effort for a full 60 minutes. We play one period pretty well, and then… fall apart. Get outplayed. To win right now, we need 60 minutes of good hockey—that’s just how it is.”

    Notes from Thursday’s Game

    • Season Series: Bruins win the season series 2-1-0 after taking the first two games in Boston. They outscored Montreal 12-7 in those games, including a 6-3 win in the Centennial Game on December 1.
    • Playoff Picture: Not mathematically eliminated but would need to win all 6 remaining games and get help from teams above them to make the playoffs. Montreal is 2nd in the wild card in the East. If the playoffs started today, Boston would miss for the first time since 2015-16 and Montreal would make for the first time since 2020-21 bubble season.
    • David Pastrnak is a Beast: Pastrnak had the primary assist on Lindholm’s goal and has 20 goals and 22 assists in 32 games against Montreal in his career. This season he has 89 points (37 goals, 52 assists) in 89 games.

    What’s Next for the Bruins?

    The Bruins are back at TD Garden Saturday night to face the Carolina Hurricanes. NESN coverage starts at 6 p.m. ET. With the season slipping away, every game is a must win for Boston.

  • Which Bruins Are on the Bubble? 10 Players to Watch in 2025

    Which Bruins Are on the Bubble? 10 Players to Watch in 2025

    With just seven games left in the 2024-25 season, the Boston Bruins are at a critical juncture—and that’s where the real story begins. While some key spots are all but locked up for next season, there’s still a lot on the line for players vying for those remaining roster spots.

    Interim coach Joe Sacco has dropped a few hints that changes could be coming, even as the season winds down. “We’ll discuss that after every game,” Sacco said Wednesday. “We may get the chance to see a couple more players from Providence come up,” he added. “I wouldn’t rule anything out—because why would you?” That’s the kind of attitude that gets players—and fans—excited.

    Those players on the bubble are feeling the heat now. With roster spots up for grabs in 2025-26—and some of those spots likely to be filled by free agents in July—the pressure is really on. Here are some of the players who might be sweating bullets right now—and what they need to do to stay in the Bruins’ plans.

    Forwards Feeling the Pressure

    Johnny Beecher (73 games: 3-8–11)

    Beecher, the 2019 first-round pick, hasn’t quite lived up to expectations. Despite his speed and size, he hasn’t been a game-changer offensively. That changes this summer, though: his entry-level deal is expiring and he’s got arbitration rights. Based on those three pro seasons, it’s a pretty even bet whether the Bruins will extend him beyond a one-year deal.

    Cole Koepke (66 games: 9-7–16)

    Koepke has enjoyed his best NHL season so far this year. But he’s hit a bit of a wall lately, with just 0-2–2 in his last 10 games. A strong finish could still get him that affordable contract he wants—but he’ll need to push harder in these final games.

    Marat Khusnutdinov (11 games: 2-1–3)

    Khusnutdinov showed some flashes of speed and skill after coming over in the Justin Brazeau trade. But results haven’t followed. With his deal expiring and arbitration rights, he needs to start producing more points if he wants to stick around.

    Jakub Lauko (11 games: 0-2–2)

    Lauko hasn’t exactly set the world on fire in his second stint with the Bruins. But his energy and physicality (33 hits since returning) make him a candidate for a depth role. If Boston doesn’t extend him, he’ll find work elsewhere.

    Vinni Lettieri (20 games: 3-1–4)

    Lettieri is set to become an unrestricted free agent. He’s got solid AHL credentials, but hasn’t done enough at the NHL level. A few more points down the stretch could help his case for a return in a break-glass-if-needed role.

    Fabian Lysell (5 games: 0-0–0)

    Lysell finally got his call-up this season. But he hasn’t shown much yet. With another year left on his deal, he’ll likely be back unless the Bruins decide to move him in the offseason.

    Defensemen on Thin Ice

    Henri Jokiharju (11 games: 0-1–1)

    Jokiharju was acquired from Buffalo at the deadline and brings legit NHL skills. But, his $3.1 million cap hit could price him out of Boston if the UFA market drives his value up.

    Parker Wotherspoon (48 games: 1-5–6)

    Wotherspoon has been a reliable depth guy, but is UFA. He’s done enough to get a one year deal but someone might offer him two.

    Ian Mitchell (12 games: 0-1–1)

    Mitchell is a RFA with arbitration rights and hasn’t made a case to stay. Unless, he impresses in these last games his future with the Bruins is uncertain.

    Goalies: Joonas Korpisalo’s Fate

    Joonas Korpisalo (25 games, 12-9-3, 2.89 GAA, .893 save%)

    In many ways, that future is tied to the Bruins’ goaltending prospects. Korpisalo has been a steady presence in net, but he’s not getting any younger.

    If one of those prospects is ready to take over, the Bruins could free up some cap space and give themselves some breathing room. That’s a decision that will likely come down to whether Korpisalo is still the goalie the Bruins want to build around.

  • Ryan Leonard Arrives Just in Time for Alex Ovechkin’s 891st Goal

    Ryan Leonard Arrives Just in Time for Alex Ovechkin’s 891st Goal

    The Washington Capitals added a new face to the lineup on Tuesday night as Ryan Leonard, the 8th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, made his pro debut against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. The night was already special for Leonard but it got even more memorable when Alex Ovechkin scored his 891st career goal, moving closer to Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894.

    Leonard didn’t get a point in the 4-3 win but his presence on the ice and contributions to big moments made his debut one to won’t soon.

    A Warm Welcome from Friends and Family

    Before the puck dropped, Leonard skated onto the ice for warmups without his helmet, smiling from ear to ear as the crowd erupted in cheers. A bunch of friends, family, and former Boston College teammates were in attendance for his NHL debut.

    “It was pretty cool,” he said after the game. “My first lap, I looked to my right, and there were a few of my teammates on the glass. They told me they’d be there, but I didn’t really believe them until that first lap.”

    Leonard’s journey to this moment started just days ago. Last week, he was suiting up for the Eagles in college hockey. Now, he’s wearing the Caps’ uniform and in the spotlight on the biggest stage in hockey.

    Leonard’s Impact on His First NHL Shifts

    Leonard started the game on the blue line for the national anthem, taking in the NHL arena atmosphere—a far cry from his college days, even though he had played in this building before during Beanpot tournaments. His first shift lasted 32 seconds and his only shot attempt in the first period was wide. But he showed he belonged quick.

    Late in the first period, he laid a big hit on Bruins forward Jeffrey Viel in the neutral zone and the crowd gasped. It was a reminder of Leonard’s fearless style of play, which has been a part of his game since day one.

    “I thought he was great,” Capitals Coach Spencer Carbery said. “He had a bunch of different plays, was a big part of the goal that was going to be the game winner. Liked his plays through the neutral zone… To step into a game two days after his college season ends and play the way he did is pretty impressive.”

    Ovechkin Closes In on History

    While Leonard stole some of the show, the night belonged to Alex Ovechkin who scored his 891st career goal to put Washington up 2-0 in the 1st. The goal came off a nice feed from center Dylan Strome who found Ovechkin sneaking to the doorstep.

    Captain Ovechkin is now 4 goals away from Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894. With each milestone the anticipation grows among fans and teammates.

    “What is it, 4 now? Getting close,” Carbery said after the game. “You can feel it. You can definitely feel it.”

    A Back-and-Forth Battle Against the Bruins

    The game was a wild ride. After taking a 2-0 lead into the second period, the Caps struggled to hold on. Vinni Lettieri cut the lead to 2-1 mid 2nd and David Pastrnak tied the game late in the period.

    The turning point came early 3rd when Leonard helped set up Dylan Strome’s go ahead goal. His puck recoveries and smart passes kept the play alive and eventually led to a rebound opportunity that Strome buried.

    Later, Tom Wilson extended the lead to 2 goals with a fluke deflection off a Bruins defender. But Pastrnak responded seconds later with his 2nd of the night and it was a 1 goal game again.

    With under 2 minutes left the Bruins pulled goalie Jeremy Swayman for an extra attacker. Ovechkin had an empty net chance but missed wide and left the door open until the final buzzer.

  • Epic Fight by Bruins Forward Energizes Fans in Second Period

    Epic Fight by Bruins Forward Energizes Fans in Second Period

    The Boston Bruins started to take control in the second period of Tuesday’s game against the Washington Capitals thanks to Vinni Lettieri’s third goal of the season. But it wasn’t just the scoreboard that got the fans up—Jeffrey Viel and Dylan McIlrath went toe to toe and stole the show.

    The Epic Fight That Stole the Spotlight

    Late in the second period Viel and McIlrath dropped the gloves for a big time fight that had everyone at TD Garden going wild. Both skaters were punching with their helmets on but McIlrath got the early jump by ripping off Viel’s helmet. Despite losing his lid Viel didn’t back down—he got his helmet back on and landed a good shot.

    The fight lasted about a minute before both players slowed down and the refs stepped in. Head ref Wes McCauley made the call: “Five minutes for fighting!” The crowd erupted in cheers. They loved the old school hockey.

    How the Fight Energized the Bruins?

    Viel’s energy spread to his teammates right away. Just a minute later David Pastrnak tied it up 2-2 with a power play goal – his 36th of the season. The goal got the Bruins bench even more pumped up and sometimes a little bit of physicality can go a long way in turning a game around.

    Who is Jeffrey Viel?

    This wasn’t Viel’s first time dropping the gloves in a Bruins uniform. He did it in his debut on November 18 against the Columbus Blue Jackets’ Mathieu Olivier. Tuesday was his 5th game with the Bruins this season, and while he’s still looking for his first point with the Spoked-B, he’s already earned respect from teammates and fans.

    Before joining the Bruins, Viel played with the San Jose Sharks, where he had 3 goals and 2 assists in 53 games. He may not be lighting up the scoreboard yet, but his willingness to stand up for his team and deliver moments like Tuesday’s fight shows why he’s a good addition to the roster.

  • Dans Locmelis Signs Three-Year Entry-Level Contract with Bruins

    Dans Locmelis Signs Three-Year Entry-Level Contract with Bruins

    Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney announced today that the team has signed forward Dans Locmelis to a three year entry level deal. The deal is worth $860,000 AAV. Locmelis will report to the Providence Bruins on an amateur tryout (ATO) agreement.

    A Promising College Career at UMass Amherst

    Locmelis is 6’0” and 175 pounds. He finished his collegiate season at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. In 2024-25 he played in 40 games, scoring 8 goals and 25 assists for 33 points. He was 2nd on the team in assists and 4th in points. He showed his playmaking ability and hockey IQ.

    Over two seasons at UMass Locmelis had 15 goals and 32 assists for 47 points in 70 NCAA games. He was a consistent and leader on the ice and was a big part of the Minutemen’s success and will be an NHL asset in the future.

    Impressive International Experience

    Before UMass, Locmelis played in Sweden for Lulea HF J20 in the J20 Swedish Hockey League during the 2022-23 season. In 44 games, he had 25 goals and 34 assists for 59 points and was +28. He was a dominant player in junior hockey and showed his offensive and two way abilities.

    Locmelis has also played for Latvia on multiple international stages. He played in the World Junior Championships in 2022, 2023 and 2024, with 6 goals and 4 assists in 16 games. He played for Team Latvia in the 2023 and 2024 IIHF World Championships and helped Latvia win bronze in 2023. Most recently, Locmelis played in the 2026 Olympic qualification and had 1 goal and 1 assist in 3 games.

    Why the Bruins Are Excited About Locmelis?

    The Bruins took Locmelis in the 4th round (119th overall) in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft as a forward who can play both ways. He’s got speed, vision and scoring ability so he’s a nice addition to the org. He’ll start in Providence but his development could have him in Boston sooner than later.

    General Manager Don Sweeney on Locmelis: “Dans has a dynamic skill set and a strong work ethic. We’ll see how he develops with our staff in Providence.”

  • Boston Bruins Prospect Re-Assigned to Maine Mariners

    Boston Bruins Prospect Re-Assigned to Maine Mariners

    The Boston Bruins’ AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins, made a move on Monday, reassigning defenseman Jackson Edward to the Maine Mariners of the ECHL. They did this just after securing a spot in the AHL playoffs, so the organization is focused on development even in the stretch run.

    Edward, 21, was drafted by the Bruins with the 200th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. His rookie AHL season has been good, but he’ll now get more ice time and experience with the Mariners as they wind down their ECHL season.

    Edward’s Performance in Providence This Season

    Edward’s 31 games with the Providence Bruins this season have shown us just how much he has to offer—and just how much he has to work on. He’s managed a single goal and six assists, with a minus-5 rating that suggests he’s still learning the ropes. That’s not a bad start for a player with growth potential. Standing at 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, Edward brings the size and physicality to the blue line that the Bruins will be looking to hone further.

    That three-year entry-level contract he signed last October, with an annual cap hit of $860,000, was a vote of confidence from the organization in his long-term potential. Now, with one year left on that deal after this season, Edward will need to keep developing if he wants to secure a spot in the Bruins’ future plans.

    A Stepping Stone to Success: Edward’s Journey So Far

    Before turning pro, Jackson Edward played three seasons with the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) where he was an assistant captain in his last year. His leadership and steady progression on the ice made him an interesting prospect for the Bruins who saw two-way potential in him.

    But going from junior to pro is never easy. For Edward, the move to the ECHL is an opportunity to play more and get confidence. The Maine Mariners are 28-33-4 and 11th in the Eastern Conference and not playoff bound but they are a place where Edward can get big minutes and work on his game.

    What This Means for Edward’s Future

    Re-assignment to the ECHL doesn’t mean the Bruins don’t believe in Edward—he’s the opposite. They’re giving him a chance to develop in a less intense environment while still within the organization.

    With his contract up after next season, Edward will be a restricted free agent if he doesn’t make the NHL roster by then. This stint with the Mariners could be the deciding factor in whether he’s ready for the next step in his career.

    Maine Mariners’ Role in Player Development

    The Maine Mariners have been a developmental haven for Bruins’ prospects for years, giving players like Edward a chance to grow under consistent coaching and competition. They may not be contending for a championship this year but their role in developing young talent is huge for the Bruins pipeline.

    For Edward this is about proving he can adapt and succeed at every level. If he can make an impact in the ECHL it could set him up for a bigger year in Providence next year and maybe even a shot at the NHL roster down the line.

  • Will the Bruins Make a Change? President Opens Up About Coaching Future

    Will the Bruins Make a Change? President Opens Up About Coaching Future

    The Bruins season has gone off the rails and they’re now 8 in a row and out of the playoffs. Team president Cam Neely didn’t sugar coat it when he spoke to the media recently, implying big changes are coming for this struggling team.

    Led by interim coach Joe Sacco, the Bruins are looking at their first playoff miss since 2016. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a team that was always in the mix. With the trade deadline having already seen Brad Marchand shipped to the Florida Panthers, the writing is on the wall: this offseason will be big for the organization.

    Cam Neely Speaks Out on Coaching Future

    In an interview with the Boston Globe just before that game against the Hurricanes on Wednesday, Cam Neely confirmed that Don Sacco’s future is still up in the air as the offseason approaches.

    Sacco “will be in the mix” when Cam talks with general manager Don Sweeney about who should be leading the team next season. Neely did express appreciation for the job the coaching staff has been doing—especially during that really tough stretch. “That job they’re doing—it hasn’t been easy for them,” he said to the staff recently.

    Since firing Jim Montgomery in November and trading Brad Marchand at the deadline, the Bruins have been in a tailspin. Those recent losses—like that 6–2 drubbing by Anaheim and that 2–1 defeat against Detroit—show just how far apart the team has become.

    “We’re usually playing for something at this time of year,” Neely said. “Not the kind of situation Joe Sacco would normally be walking into. But he handled that really well.”

    No Full Rebuild Planned, But Roster Changes Likely

    Fans of the team may be worried about a complete teardown. But Neely says that’s not what the organization is planning. What they do need to do, he said, is reset and get that competitive edge back. “We don’t need to strip this down,” he said. “We’ve already moved some key pieces at the deadline. Now we can replace some of those and get back to where we want to be.”

    The Bruins have about $28.8 million in cap space this summer. That gives them some room to maneuver in free agency or trades. The question is: how do they find the right players to complement their core group and get that winning culture back? They have the money to make that happen. Now, they need to figure out who to spend it on.

    A Tough Road Ahead Against Top Teams

    The Bruins’ recent struggles have really come into focus in their last few games, especially against those Eastern Conference powerhouses. That’s what Tuesday’s matchup against the Washington Capitals (47-17-9, 103 points) at home will be all about. Right now, Boston sits at 30-35-9, 69 points back of that playoff spot—the eighth wild-card position. They’re just eight points shy of a berth.

    As the season winds down, the Bruins are watching others fight for that postseason glory from the sidelines. And that’s a tough pill to swallow for a team—and a city—that takes pride in its hockey heritage. But in a way, that low point gives them a chance to hit the reset button and start building towards better days ahead.

  • Boston Bruins Call Up Enforcer from Providence

    Boston Bruins Call Up Enforcer from Providence

    The Boston Bruins are shaking things up and have recalled forward Jeffrey Viel from the Providence Bruins. With the team in an 8 game losing streak, they hope Viel’s energy and physicality can be the spark they need.

    Viel, 28, doesn’t put up points, but his contributions go beyond the box score. His recall comes at a good time, as the Bruins need to add some grit and toughness to the lineup.

    What Viel Brings to the Bruins?

    In 4 NHL games this season, Viel has no points but 9 PIM, 11 hits, and a -1 rating. Those numbers don’t pop, but his role is clear: be physical, protect his teammates and disrupt the other team’s flow.

    Viel’s presence could be just what the doctor ordered for a team that can’t seem to find consistency. He’s the kind of player that shows up in scrums, throws his body around and plays with an edge – qualities that can change the game.

    Viel’s Dominance in the AHL

    In Providence, Viel has really been making a name for himself this season. In 62 games with the AHL team, he’s racked up 12 goals, 34 points—and a healthy 136 penalty minutes. That plus-15 rating he’s sporting is a testament to his all-around game. And it’s not just his offense that’s stood out—his physical play and leadership have been just as impressive.

    Lately, Viel has caught fire, scoring four goals and chipping in with eight points over his last eight games. That kind of late-season surge shows he can take his game to the next level when it counts. Now, the Bruins are counting on him to carry that momentum into the NHL—and help turn their season around.

    A Gritty Veteran with NHL Experience

    Viel’s NHL experience may not be extensive, but he’s no stranger to the league. He spent four seasons between the San Jose Sharks and the Bruins. In that time, he played 53 NHL games—where he scored three goals, picked up five points, dished out 123 hits and finished with a minus-10 rating.

    That hasn’t led to a lot of offense, but his willingness to mix it up physically and back up his teammates has earned him a lot of respect. For a Bruins team that’s really struggling to find energy and toughness, Viel’s experience and tenacity could be just what they need.

    Can Viel Help Snap the Losing Streak?

    When the Bruins were struggling, Viel’s return was a much-needed spark. His aggressive style of play can shift momentum in tight games—and give the Bruins the push they need to win the ones that slip through their fingers.

    Viel thrives in high-energy roles. If he gets the chance to play meaningful minutes, he could be that difference-maker. That might come through his physicality, his leadership, or an underrated part of his game that he’s been waiting to show off. And he’s ready to prove he belongs in the NHL spotlight once again.

  • Charlie McAvoy Opens Up About Frightening Health Scare

    Charlie McAvoy Opens Up About Frightening Health Scare

    Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy recently opened up about the health scare that kept him out of the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game. What started as an AC joint injury in his right shoulder turned into something much more serious—a life threatening infection that required hospitalization and surgery. As McAvoy gets back to form he’s looking back on the experience and forward to helping the Bruins moving forward.

    The Infection That Changed Everything

    McAvoy initially had an AC joint injury in his right shoulder, a common injury for athletes. But complications arose when it got infected. Speaking to The Athletic McAvoy explained how bad it got.

    “The infection was moving pretty fast after that. It got very serious, very quick. Another thing I’m trying to leave in the past, really. It was scary. It was scary on me. Scary on my family, mostly.”

    The infection got out of control and he had to go to the hospital and have surgery. He’s out of the hospital and recovering now but the experience left a mark on him and his loved ones.

    “I think it’s a win on both fronts,” McAvoy said. “I’m just happy to be here. I’m happy to be with the guys, to see guys, to be seen. I wish a lot of things would have been different coming down the stretch here. I really do. It hasn’t been easy.”

    Bruins’ Season on the Brink

    Only 9 games left in the season and the Bruins are on the outside looking in—a rare position for a team used to success. McAvoy’s absence has been felt on the ice and there’s a big void on the back end.

    He practiced with the team Sunday but admitted he’s not ready for game action. His return timeline is unknown and there’s no guarantee he’ll be back before the season ends.

    “It’s tough to lead from the sidelines when you’re not in the group and you’re not there,” McAvoy said. “Moving forward, probably our biggest goal is how we get it back, what we do and how we leave it better than we found it.”

    Commitment to the Bruins

    Despite the challenges McAvoy is committed to the Bruins. He knows he and David Pastrňák have to help get the team back to being a winning team.

    “We know what it looks like and what it feels like to be part of the teams that are winning teams, the special teams. It’s right there. We just have to get it back.”

    McAvoy knows what it means to wear the Bruins jersey and what it means to the fans, the organization and his teammates. His leadership even from the sidelines is still inspiring to those around him.

    Supporting the Team Through Recovery

    McAvoy isn’t cleared for game action yet but he’s been making an appearance on social media to support the team. His presence at practice and in the locker room is a morale boost as the Bruins try to save the season.

    McAvoy’s journey shows how fast injuries can snowball and how important timely medical care is. Now focused on recovery he’s determined to get back to 100% and be ready when the Bruins need him most.

    A Leader Ready to Rebound

    For McAvoy, this has been a humbling experience but it’s also made him more determined. The road to recovery will be long but his commitment to the Bruins and their future is unwavering.

    “I’m just glad to be here,” McAvoy said. “I want to help this team get back to where it’s supposed to be.”

    As the Bruins head into the final stretch of the season, McAvoy’s leadership—on or off the ice—will be key to the direction of the franchise. For now, we can all just be glad one of our best players is doing everything he can to come back stronger than ever.

  • Bruins Hit with Harsh Reality in Stunning Loss on Wednesday Night

    Bruins Hit with Harsh Reality in Stunning Loss on Wednesday Night

    The Boston Bruins hit the ice on Wednesday night against the Anaheim Ducks knowing it was all over. With 69 points in 72 games they are 5 points out of the 2nd wild card spot in the East. This is a big drop off for a team that has been in the playoffs since 2015-16.

    A Deadline That Changed Everything

    The Bruins fall from contention wasn’t a surprise given how they approached the deadline. They were 3rd in the Atlantic on January 1 and then fell out of the playoffs.

    General manager Don Sweeney made the tough decision to go into rebuild mode and that means the end of an era. Key veterans like Brad Marchand (Florida Panthers), Brandon Carlo (Toronto Maple Leafs), Charlie Coyle (Colorado Avalanche), Justin Brazeau (Minnesota Wild) and Trent Frederic (Edmonton Oilers) were traded for draft picks and prospects.

    That’s basically waving the white flag on the season and maybe the near future. For a fanbase used to playoff runs and deep playoff pushes it’s a tough pill to swallow.

    Underdogs Against Another Rebuilding Team

    Wednesday night the Bruins faced an Anaheim Ducks team that hasn’t seen the playoffs since the 2017-18 season. Like Boston, the Ducks are in a rebuild so this game was more about evaluating young talent than immediate results.

    According to StatMuse, the Ducks have been underdogs in 66 of 70 games this season. Despite their struggles, the odds had the Ducks favored going into the game against Boston. The lines shifted slightly after the first post and the Bruins are now +115 and the Ducks -135 (via ESPN BET). You can still take the Ducks -1.5 for +185 if you think Anaheim is going to blow them out.

    Puck drop in Anaheim was at 10 p.m. ET so this was expected to be a low stakes game between two teams looking to the future.

    A Reality Check for Bruins Fans

    For Bruins fans who suffered through the lean years before the Bergeron, Chara and Rask era, this season feels all too familiar. Those good times seem so far away now and have been replaced with uncertainty and questions of how long it will take to rebuild.

    Head coach Joe Sacco has a tough job navigating this transition and keeping morale up. It’s not an easy task especially when you consider how spoiled Bruins fans have been the last decade.