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Another setback for the B's |
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Ty Anderson
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There was a thought that this past Thursday’s grind-it-out victory over the Golden Knights could have served as a launching pad for a bit of a run from the hot-and-cold Bruins.
But Boston’s problems persisted Saturday night on Long Island, as the Bruins surrendered five goals, including three in the opening 12:19 of the first period behind a natural hat trick from the Isles’ Kyle Palmieri, in an ugly loss.
Down by three after 20 minutes of action, things got worse for the Bruins when they returned for the second period, as the Islanders tagged Linus Ullmark for another two goals, with strikes from Anders Lee and Brock Nelson in the middle frame, with Lee’s goal at the 46-second marker of the period while Nelson’s came with 9:36 remaining in the period.
In a no-doubt contender for ‘Worst Game of the Year’ from the Bruins, the lone bright spot in this game came with Marc McLaughlin‘s first goal of the season (and in his 2023-24 NHL debut), scored at the 14:30 mark of the second period.
McLaughlin, who was called up just before Boston’s departure for Long Island on Friday, skated on the Black and Gold’s fourth line, and finished with two shots and four hits in addition to the goal with his 12:39 of time on ice. McLaughlin subbed into the Boston lineup for winger Justin Brazeau, who is dealing with a minor injury, according to the club.
On the backend, Derek Forbort returned to the B’s defensive rotation after two straight healthy scratches. Forbort had two shots and one blocked shot in 19:27 of play. With Forbort back, Matt Grzelcyk sat out as a scratch.
B's hit with more uncertainty on injury front
A nightmare on Long Island for the Bruins was even worse than the 5-1 final score indicated Saturday night, as the Bruins suffered yet another loss on the personnel front, too, this time with Pavel Zacha ruled out of action early into the loss.
And to make matters worse, Zacha’s departure also failed to come with any sort of reassuring word from the B’s.
“I just know it’s a lower-body [injury],” Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery said following Saturday’s loss. “Don’t have any firm update. Whether it’s day-to-day or week-to-week, I don’t have an update.”
With the Bruins truly off on Sunday as the team traveled from Long Island to Toronto ahead a Monday night tilt with the Maple Leafs, the focus now turns to Monday’s morning skate in Toronto. On Monday morning, Zacha’s presence alone will tell you a bit when it comes to availability, be it for that night or even Tuesday in Boston against the Oilers. An absence, however, and there’s only more wonder (panic) when it comes to what’s next for the Bruins.
The Bruins have been without center Matt Poitras after he underwent season-ending surgery last month, and they are currently without their top lefty defenseman Hampus Lindholm on a week-to-week basis. And the truth is that these Bruins aren’t built to withstand more injuries, but especially more injuries when it comes to high-impact talents.
With Zacha done for the night early into Saturday’s loss, Montgomery’s line blender went into overdrive in the top six, as David Pastrnak played at least five minutes of five-on-five time with Charlie Coyle, Brad Marchand, Danton Heinen, and Morgan Geekie by the night’s end.
Everything else
- I thought Billerica's own Marc McLaughlin looked as good and as comfortable at the NHL level at any point under Jim Montgomery on Saturday night. A good sign for a high-motor player, and for a team that's starving for more of those to bring it and help bring 'em out of this slump.
- This team misses Hampus Lindholm in the worst way right now.
- I also have absolutely no idea what to expect this team to do at the trade deadline. That said, I'd rule out any sort of massive move. I've always felt it was unlikely given what the Bruins have shipped out over the last two deadlines, but it's clear that this team really isn't worth another 'all in' type of move. You just have to hope they're healthy and on top of their game when the playoffs start and that some bounces go their way then.
Up next: The Bruins wrap up this quick two-game road trip with a Monday head-to-head with the Maple Leafs up in Toronto.
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