By: Declan Flavin | Follow me on Twitter / X @FlavinDeclan
The Boston Bruins are split between wins and losses so far this season, and they don’t exactly have a daunting schedule ahead this week, facing teams with similar records. They will look to build upon some recent success while also recognizing what the microcosm of the season has been for them so far.
In the 14 games so far, the team’s defensive-wide issue, a lack of physicality in front of the net, has surfaced, along with questions about overall structure for young but capable defenders like Mason Lohrei. However, what has been there for the team is an underlying collective physicality and peskiness away from their own net, and it has served them well while compensating for a lack of scoring touch. Coming off a win against a Carolina Hurricanes team that usually plays differently away from their barn, the Bruins should approach the next three matchups with a focus on sticking to this identity while working on a fix for the long-term defensive issue.
Game 15: November 4, 7:00pm at New York Islanders (6-5-1)
When a team faces the Islanders in their neck of the woods, it’s bound to be a chippy and heated effort. This team plays in a way that mirrors how the Bruins want to play, with limited skill but a desire to ramp up the pace of their forechecking.
However, they are starting to infuse the roster with young talent, headlined by rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer, and that’s what the Bruins will be dealing with. They’ll also have to deal with a veteran forward like Kyle Palmieri, who might only be playing to whoop on the Bruins. A usual partner-in-crime like this will probably be the ire of the Bruins if things go wrong, so the defense needs to be keyed in on that.
Game 16: November 6, 7:00pm vs Ottawa Senators (6-5-2)
With a team like the Senators, you don’t really know what you’re getting ahead of the game, but chippiness will be a factor in this one as well. With the Bruins being at home in this one, the Senators will probably play on their heels without having the last line change before faceoffs.
Forward Shane Pinto has headlined the scoring for the Senators with eight goals through 13 games, so keep an eye out for him. Forwards Dylan Cozens and Tim Stützle are behind him with six goals, but the team is mostly driven by a group identity rather than any individual skill. This opponent is dependent on the home team sleeping through the game to really make a huge impact on the scoresheet.
Game 17: November 8, 7:00pm at Toronto Maple Leafs (6-5-1)
The Maple Leafs are who they are season to season, and the Bruins just have to be prepared to execute a similar game plan with precision. Toronto will want to play in a score-off, but the Bruins will surely bring the Maple Leafs into their aggressive style.
Forwards John Tavares and Auston Matthews continue to be the threats to look out for when you face this bunch, with both having six goals through 12 games. You can’t sleep on forward Matthew Knies’ rise to stardom, which will likely be felt on the man advantage if the Maple Leafs get enough opportunities. As a sidenote, the Maple Leafs having the last change will play a factor as they try to play and win the game in their superficial style, while the Bruins attempt to fend off skill with an inconsistent defensive core.
Overall, the Bruins are facing teams that are still building toward consistency, one way or another. The Islanders and Senators have pieces here and there but are still young and incomplete, while the Maple Leafs have the skill they’ve always had but struggle if the opponent sticks to a professional game plan.
If the Bruins want any sort of playoff hopes moving forward, they cannot afford to lose on the road during a week like this. Teams that are good enough for postseason play while also rebuilding stick to an identity, regardless of opponent and whether they’re at home or on the road. The collective forechecking identity needs to travel, and the defensive core must avoid major lapses that could undermine that theme.
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