By: Chad Jones | Follow me on Twitter/X @ShutUpChadJones
The first 14 games of this Boston Bruins season has been a rollercoaster ride. Boston started Marco Sturm’s head coaching tenure by ripping off a three-game winning streak. Boston then promptly lost six games in a row. Since that skid, the Bruins have grabbed victories in four of the last five games, but their one defeat was an ugly 7-2 road loss to the Ottawa Senators.
While Boston’s play has looked sloppy, especially in their own end, for extended periods early this season, they now have a .500 record. A few key elements in recent games have gotten them back on track.
The Last Line of Defense
The play between the pipes is the biggest reason Boston has won four of the past five games. For the first time as a Bruin, Joonas Korpisalo was given the net in back-to-back contests. And the goaltender delivered big time for Boston.
Korpisalo combined to make 70 stops and only allowed five shots to beat him over those two games, both of which resulted in Bruins wins. He showed off his athleticism in the crease, making many spectacular saves during both wins.
While Swayman was in net for all seven goals against Ottawa, he was excellent against the Colorado Avalanche and Carolina Hurricanes. There were times in both matchups, the talented opponents hemmed Boston in their end and dictated play, but Swayman came through with big stops in key moments to lead the Bruins to two victories on TD Garden Ice.
Home Cooking
Speaking of TD Garden, the Bruins have effectively protected home ice this year. Six of Boston’s seven victories have taken place right off Causeway Street.
Now, the Bruins must improve their play in opposing arenas. Their defense and attention to detail have severely cost them during many road losses this season. Not to mention, eight of Boston’s next 11 games will be played away from TD Garden. But it is a good sign that the Bruins have collected wins on home ice early this season.
Scoring Touch
Coming into this season, Bruins fans were wondering how Morgan Geekie would perform out of the gate. After scoring 33 goals last year and being rewarded with a six-year deal worth $33 million, questions remained whether the forward could replicate a similar level of offensive production.
Geekie has been sensational for Boston. He continues to find open ice to work with and rip shot attempts into the back of the net. Geekie already has nine goals. Only Nathan MacKinnon and Cole Caufield have more lamp lighters this season.
Geekie has transformed into a legit offensive weapon for Boston. His wicked shot continues to beat goalies consistently. While his shooting percentage will not stay at 32 the entire season, his ability to find space to get his shot off will benefit the Bruins’ offense the rest of the way.
While the Bruins have clawed back to an even record, they cannot afford to slip back into bad habits. Especially with many road games against tough opponents on the horizon, Boston will need to be dialed in on the details going forward.
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