By: Eamonn McLean | Follow me on Twitter/X @EamonnMcLean44
Despite goals from Johnny Beecher, Brandon Carlo, and Mason Lohrei, the Boston Bruins fell to the Florida Panthers 4-3 at the TD Garden on Monday. Despite being without Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk, the Panthers found a way to get the two points.
Fourth Line Continues Impressive Start
Even in defeat, the Bruins’ fourth line of Johnny Beecher, Mark Kastelic, and Cole Koepke continue to impress. Kastelic registered three assists, the first three-point game of his career. Beecher also had a multi-point game, scoring the game’s opening goal and adding an assist on Lohrei’s tally.
While only a tiny four-game sample size, the Bruins may have found a successful long-term fourth line trio. The three forwards have combined for four goals and 13 points so far this season.
Learning Experience for Mason Lohrei
After assisting on David Pastrnak’s overtime winner on Saturday against the Los Angeles Kings, today’s game was more challenging for Mason Lohrei. A defensive zone turnover to Panthers forward Anton Lundell led to a Panthers goal in the first period.
While making a mistake could discourage many young players, Mason Lohrei is different. Late in the second period, the Madison, Wisconsin native cut the deficit to one with a snapshot that beat Sergei Bobrovsky blocker side.
Overall, Lohrei’s results were mixed. He had an even strength Corsi for percentage of 51.85%, as well as an expected goals for percentage of 34.27%. While ups and downs are expected in a young player’s development, it is encouraging to see Lohrei not get discouraged and continue to play his game.
Tough Game for Swayman
Making his third straight start, Jeremy Swayman was not at his best this afternoon. The Alaska native finished the game in all situations with a .846% save percentage and a goals-against average of 4.06, resulting in his first loss of the season.
There are many storylines heading into the Bruins’ upcoming road trip, one of which will be who starts between the pipes on Wednesday in Colorado. Does Head Coach Jim Montgomery return to Swayman for the fourth straight game, or does he give Joonas Korpisalo the start in goal?
Special Teams Fall Flat
The Bruins power play units could not find the back of the net in four attempts. To make matters worse, they conceded a shorthanded goal to Sam Reinhart shortly after Brandon Carlo had tied the game at two. While the Bruins generated some quality chances, their mistakes ultimately proved costly.
The Panthers were also able to capitalize on one of their five power play opportunities when Reinhart ripped a shot past Swayman’s blocker. While the Bruins penalty kill was otherwise solid, they lost the battle to the reigning Stanley Cup Champions.
The Bruins begin a three-game road trip on Wednesday night in Colorado. Puck drop is scheduled for 9:30 P.M. Eastern, and the game will be broadcast on TNT. The Bruins will return to TD Garden on October 24th, when they host the Dallas Stars.
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