The Boston Bruins won 65 games last season, setting an NHL record in the process. To start this centennial season, the Bruins are off to a good start again after a 3-2 victory over the Nashville Predators at TD Garden on Saturday night. James van Riemsdyk scored his first two goals with the Bruins, both on the power play, and David Pastrnak collected his third goal in two games with a penalty shot snipe to move Boston to 2-0-0 on the young season. Here are three takeaways from Boston’s second straight home victory.
Bruins Goaltending Still Their Strength
It was a slow start to the game for Boston, who couldn’t seem to stay out of the penalty box and allowed an early goal on an odd-man rush. The Bruins were able to hang on despite being shorthanded for much of the period. A big reason for it was the goaltending of “backup” Jeremy Swayman. The third-round draft pick in 2017 stopped 33 shots on the night, and many of them on the penalty kill as the Bruins killed all seven power play opportunities by Nashville. Boston has allowed just three goals in their two games, and the Bruins’ netminders have made 54 saves.
The Penalties Are a Concern
The Bruins have allowed ten power play chances for their opponents in the two games without allowing a goal. The penalty-killing units are stout, and their goaltending is amongst the best in the league. However, the team seems to be playing with fire. Without as much offensive firepower, Boston will be playing closer, more low-scoring games, and committing penalties could end up being to their detriment. A couple of the infractions last night were questionable, but this is still an area that the Bruins will need to improve upon on their upcoming road trip.
James van Riemsdyk is a Much Needed Power Play Addition
Last night was an example of what has made James van Riemsdyk a viable scorer in the NHL over his career. The former UNH star scored two power-play goals within a few feet of the net. His ability and willingness to park himself in front of the goalie, particularly on the power play, could be a key to the Bruins’ success. In the 3-2 win, van Riemsdyk scored a goal just above the goal line on a bank shot and then tipped in a Charlie McAvoy shot to score the eventual game-winner. Boston is without Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci on the man advantage and will need van Riemsdyk to continue to be a force all season long.
The Bruins now embark on a four-game road trip beginning Thursday in San Jose against the Sharks (0-1-1). It will be the first road game for Boston, who was 31-8-2 away from home last season.
