Post-Game Recap 4/11/21: Bruins Lose 8-1 To Capitals

By: Liz Rizzo | Follow me on Twitter @pastagrl88

When the Bruins announced three more of their top defenseman would not play tonight at TD Garden, it was expected the game against the Capitals would be a tough one. Unfortunately, those expectations were proven true as a defensively-depleted Boston team lost handily 8-1 against Washington on home ice. The Bruins’ offensive was also too quiet tonight as Boston’s lone goal came the way of Craig Smith. Young netminder Dan Vladar was in between the pipes tonight for the second game of a back-to-back and the first of a five-game homestead.

GAME BREAKDOWN

Right off the get-go both Chris Wagner and Brenden Dillon threw some punches four seconds into the first period in what would set the tone for the rest of the game. Both players were issued a five-minute major for fighting and within seconds the Bruins would be on the man-advantage as the Capitals Evgeny Kuznetsov went to the penalty box for slashing. Washington was able to clear away any chances for Boston to score. The Caps would have a power-play opportunity as Sean Kuraly was nabbed for interference. T.J. Oshie was able to squeeze one past Dan Vladar, getting Washington on board first making it 1-0. Unfortunately, moments later Lars Eller would wrist one in, making the score 2-0.

The Caps would score their third of the night as Conor Sheary snapped one in, making it 3-0 in the first period. Boston got on the power-play for the second time as Daniel Sprong was nabbed for slashing, but were unable to get on the board. Boston had a few close encounters at the end of the period however Vitek Vanacek padded away the puck. A rough, sloppy first period for the Bruins.

END OF THE PERIOD: BOS-0, WSH-3

SHOTS ON GOAL: BOS-7, WSH-9

As the Bruins looked to get going in the second period, the Caps would get on the man-advantage with Craig Smith in the box for holding against Conor Sheary. With 16 seconds left to the power play, Sheary scored his second of the night making it 4-0. Boston would get on the power play for the fourth time as Justin Schultz was nabbed for hooking against David Pastrnak. No score as Washington continued to control gameplay. Pastrnak would get sent to the penalty box for hooking against Conor Sheary. The Caps Nic Dowd would make score 5-0 after wristing one in past Vladar. A penalty from Jeremy Lauzon gave Washinton the man-advantage in the last few moments and added more insult to injury as Tom Wilson made the score 6-0.

END OF THE PERIOS: BOS-0, WSH-6

SHOTS ON GOAL: BOS-16, WSH-14

The final period saw the Bruins on the man-advantage as Nicklas Backstrom was called for hooking against Charlie Coyle. Craig Smith got Boston on the board during the power play giving the Bruins their first goal of the night. Jake DeBrusk and Charlie Coyle were credited with the assist.

Once again the Bruins would get another penalty when Charlie Coyle was called for slashing against Lars Eller. Washington made it 7-1 as T.J Oshie scored his second goal of the night. Unfortunately, the Caps were not letting up as they continue to score on Boston as the puck ricocheted off Lar Eller’s skate, making it 8-1. With a little over a minute left the Bruins would be short-handed as Steve Kampfer was called for hooking against Conor Sheary. No goal as Washington handed Boston their first regulation loss of the series., which is now tied 3-3.

END OF THE PERIOD: BOS-8, WSH-1

TOTAL SHOTS: BOS-35, WSH-35

NEXT GAME: Tuesday, April 13th versus Buffalo Sabres with puck drop after 7:00 PM @TD Garden. MSG-B, NESN