fer more than fifty-eight minutes of a closely controlled battle, the Bruins held off Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and the fierce Oilers. Throughout the second half of a back-to-back, the Bruins were able to maintain a comfortable lead thanks to timely saves from Linus Ullmark and the strengthened defensive line surrounding his net.
Pavel Zacha’s explosion at the beginning of the third set the tone. But with Skinner sitting on the bench to provide an additional attacker, the Bruins were unable to secure that crucial insurance point.
Ultimately, the Bruins fell victim to yet another error in game management.
McDavid’s decisive victory over Charlie Coyle set off a wild sequence that culminated in Mikael Draisaitl’s equalizer with 1:20 left in regulation.
The mental challenge of the late game will only increase as the playoffs get near.
For the fifteenth game this season, the Bruins lost a third-period advantage on Tuesday.
Most evenings, one could sense the impending meltdown. However, the Bruins gave it everything they had in the closing minutes to clinch another crucial victory in regulation against McDavid, Draisaitl, and the amazing offensive skill on display in Edmonton.
For the majority of the 60 minutes, they competed against a swift group of Edmonton supporters, denying a strong power play two chances and winning their fair share of puck possession battles in open ice and around the walls. They rarely had to put in long shifts of their own, saving pucks from injury most of the time.
Despite being behind by one goal, the Oilers continued to produce their excellent plays. The Bruins had opportunities to increase Zacha’s score, particularly after killing off a puzzling penalty that Trent Frederic had been given late in regulation.
Rather, at a critical juncture, they were unable to secure another faceoff victory. Shortly after McDavid won the faceoff, the Oilers caused havoc in front of Ullmark’s crease, which resulted in Draisaitl’s equalizer and Brandon Carlo’s uncalled tripping penalty.
Head coach Jim Montgomery stated, “You got to find a way to close out games.” We have a wonderful chance to understand that nothing is something we should take for granted. No matter how worn out you are at the conclusion of the game, we need to find a way to keep going, and we were unable to do so.
Each game offers a certain amount of educational value. However, the Bruins had more than one season of closing only to reappear time and time again.
After Game 82 of the regular season, their lack of success in 3-on-3 situations will be irrelevant. Even if Don Sweeney improves his defense and center core by 3 p.m. on Friday, the Bruins still need to get beyond the mental block that comes with playing in the last few weeks of the season.
If not, the last call will be sent early once more.
“The playoffs are a cerebral game. Everything is thought based. Everyone is operating on an even playing field. The same team that you are playing against has the same number of rest, off, and other days off. You have to get creative and find a solution there, Montgomery said. Thus, it’s a chance for me to start developing in preparation for the playoffs. Both the physical execution and the mentality are necessary.
Zacha’s shooting rhythm is starting to emerge.
Zacha began his career in his first season in Boston, settling into a winger role alongside David Krejci and Jaroslav Pastrnak, two of his fellow Czech teammates. The Bruins moved Zacha back to his natural center position after Krejci and Patrice Bergeron retired, expecting him to continue where he had left off.
Zacha’s output suffered as a result of injuries and erratic performances. However, throughout the past two games, the former New Jersey Devil started to find his scoring form.
Two days after leaving due to a lower-body injury on Long Island, Zacha had a two-goal performance in Toronto. On Tuesday, he continued his impressive play by scoring his third goal in two games.
“I believe he wants to shoot more.” Regarding Zacha, Montgomery remarked, “He had a minor injury there, and he’s recovered and simplified his game.” “He’s shooting more, being more direct, and simplifying his game, which translates into points.”
Zacha occasionally adopted a passive strategy when he got the chance to shoot the puck. In his second season in Boston, that resulted in Pastrnak, Marchand, and a few other gifted wingers he skated with being force-fed opportunities.
However, Zacha’s ability to create plays also meant that primary and secondary bids were set up in good time. He is now using his aggressive shooting style to provide the Bruins with the much-needed secondary scoring boost.
Zacha remarked, “It’s good that I can help the team like that.” “I’m glad I can get some in, because my linemates have made some amazing plays the last couple of games.”
Van Riemsdyk considers his 1,000th game during his inaugural Boston campaign.
The big forward from New Jersey has spent the last fifteen years getting used to life in Boston hockey, starting with his two years at the University of New Hampshire.
A fervent Bruins fan base demonstrated their admiration for van Riemsdyk throughout the few postseason games he played for the Flyers and Maple Leafs. Now in the latter nine years of his career, van Riemsdyk can speak from personal experience about the culture and camaraderie that have been developed inside the Original Six franchise.
Bruins supporters honored van Riemsdyk on Tuesday when he finished his first shift, marking the official start of his 1,000th NHL game.
Regarding the welcome, van Riemsdyk remarked, “That was really special and cool.” “I was really thrilled to have the chance to become a part of this group and this team. Through the years, you could always sense the supporters’ passion, and it was always really thrilling. Additionally, it’s pleasant to be on the correct side of it.
The best of Van Riemsdyk is behind him. However, since agreeing to a $1 million one-year contract, he has emerged as one of the off-season’s best steals, scoring 11 goals and 38 points in 60 games.
Van Riemsdyk’s net-front presence was utilized by the Bruins on their two power-play units and middle six. Even though van Riemsdyk has been running a lot of miles over his 14-year career, he’s beginning to show some wear and tear, but the Bruins will still gain from his expertise and leadership in the final stretch.
Van Riemsdyk continued, “I can’t speak highly enough about my experience being here and being treated by the guys on the team, the fans, and the organization.” “So far, everything is going great, and hopefully, as we approach the finish line and reach our team goals, things will only get better.”