Report: Are Late Period Defensive Woes A Problem For The Bruins?

The Boston Bruins are one of the hottest teams in the National Hockey League. The Bruins are 17-3-1 in their last 21 games and have been surging since the beginning of 2022. The trade deadline has passed, and Boston has not slowed down, buoyed by the addition of defenseman Hampus Lindholm and reaping the benefits of keeping Jake DeBrusk, at least for now.

But it hasn’t been perfect for head coach Bruce Cassidy’s club. The goaltending tandem of Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark has been good overall but has also allowed some soft goals in the last couple of weeks. The third defensive pair is still being sorted out with the addition of rugged d-man Josh Brown. Other than that, it is hard to find much wrong with this team.

However, one other area of concern is the Bruins’ ability to finish periods without surrendering late goals. This has become a trend in the last month of play. On March 1st, Anaheim rookie defenseman Trevor Zegras scored with 22 seconds left on the power play to beat Boston 4-3. It was the second goal allowed by the Bruins with under two minutes remaining in a period that night. In the first period, with 57 seconds left, Adam Henrique gave the Ducks a 3-1 lead.

What looked like just a tough night for Boston became more and more common. In fact, the Bruins have allowed ten goals (not including empty-netters) with under two minutes left in a period since March 1st (16 for the season.) The thought was that adding Lindholm to the lineup would help provide a solid top-line defensive pairing with Charlie McAvoy for these situations. On Monday night, the Bruins gave up a goal to Columbus’ Zach Werenski with 16 seconds to play to tie the game at 2. Boston would go on to win 3-2 in overtime. Two days prior, Gustav Nyquist scored with 28 seconds remaining in the first period in a game Boston eventually won 5-2.

Overall, the Bruins have survived these late-period breakdowns, with most of them occurring against non-playoff teams. But it is something to keep an eye on as the postseason approaches. An anomaly turned into a trend that can not turn into the reason the Bruins do not advance in the playoffs.

Season 3 Premiere Bruins Benders Podcast

Season 3 Premiere! Bruins Prospect Challenge recap. Training Camp begins. The Bruins have a new captain. Jake DeBrusk contract negotiations beginning soon. The Bruins Historic 100 and new sweaters!  The Centennial season is here! DraftKings Sportsbook – Boston’s hometown Sportsbook is LIVE right here in Massachusetts! Bet local on all your favorite sports from the comfort of your own home with DraftKings. To celebrate, ALL new customers will receive up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS bets when you sign up for DraftKings Sportsbook using code ITR! You can now bet local on money lines, spreads, props, and more with one of America’s top-rated Sportsbooks – DraftKings Sportsbook!  Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app and sign up with code ITR to get up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS bets to use now that mobile sports betting is live in Massachusetts. That’s code ITR only at DraftKings Sportsbook. If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, call 800 327-5050 or visit helplineMA.org to speak with a trained specialist, free and confidentially, twenty four seven. 21+. Physically present in MA. Eligibility restrictions apply. Subject to regulatory licensing requirements. Eligibility and deposit restrictions apply. Opt in required. Bonus issued as free bets. Terms at draftkings.com/MA.
  1. Season 3 Premiere
  2. Season 2. Episode 46. It’s Almost Hockey Season
  3. Season 2. Episode 45. David Krejci’s Legacy
  4. Season 2. Episode 44. Patrice Bergeron Retires
  5. Season 2. Episode 43. Prospect Talk with Robert Chalmers

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