Prior to a game on Thursday night in Boston, the Boston Bruins and San Jose Sharks, who are at different ends of the NHL standings, have switched trends.
After suffering three straight regulation losses, Boston lost its top ranking in the league, and San Jose is now just two points away from emerging from the basement after winning two straight games.
The Bruins’ woes during a run of nine games in sixteen days persisted in their 5-2 loss at Columbus on Monday. This was their third straight game conceding five goals or more, and their fourth in the previous five.
Boston coach Jim Montgomery remarked, “It was nice to practice and get back to some of the habits that we like to preach.” “I believe it’s been simple to play against our team. Our goal is to move past this. It’s all about making progress. We’ve welcomed this kind of adversity in many ways.”
Even a rare pull of goaltender Jeremy Swayman — who is expected back in net on Thursday — in the first period and wholesale lineup changes could not spark enough of a comeback effort in Columbus.
Third-period goals were scored by rookies from Boston, John Beecher and Matthew Poitras.
Although there is always room for improvement, Brad Marchand and Montgomery understand that the defensive line must be strengthened in order to stop odd-man rushes.
“You can’t expect to give up three and four breakaways a night and multiple 2-on-1s and expect to win a game,” Marchand stated. “So, we need to be much tighter all over the ice defensively.”
Charlie Coyle, a second-line center, has been a major asset for Boston lately. Before Monday, he had scored points in five straight games. During that period, the Massachusetts native recorded four goals and three assists.
The Bruins will play four of the next five games at home after traveling to play six of their previous eight games.
After beginning the season 0-10-1, San Jose has improved to.500 (5-5-1) after winning three straight games and scoring three or more runs for the first time this season.
Sharks coach David Quinn remarked, “We’ve been scratching and clawing here for the past three weeks, and I’m really proud of our guys.” “They’re showing some characteristics that you need if you’re going to have a successful season.”
Forward Luke Kunin stated that the Sharks want to “keep that good feeling going” as they begin a six-game road trip. This season, they are 0-9-0 away from home.
