The Boston Bruins were handed a disappointing defeat by the Columbus Blue Jackets, who blew them out with a 6-2 victory on Friday night at Nationwide Arena, marking the beginning of a home-and-home series. The loss dropped the Bruins to 19-14-4 for the season, whereas the Blue Jackets improved their record to 15-15-6.
After coming off a brief holiday break, the Bruins faced the Blue Jackets feeling hopeful. They had recently secured a decisive 4-1 win over the Washington Capitals. Key players like David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand were expected to contribute meaningfully during this matchup. Boston boasted stats averaging 2.6 goals per game, juxtaposed by Columbus' higher rate of 3.31 goals per outing.
During the first period, the Bruins showed modest competitiveness, managing to tie the score 1-1. Yet, the second period proved disastrous for Boston, as they looked noticeably flat compared to the energetic Blue Jackets. Columbus thrived, registering three goals within just 2:47 of gameplay, forcing Boston to trail 4-1 before the period ended. The scoring efforts included Dmitri Voronkov, who tallied two goals and contributed to the overall team energy.
Elvis Merzlikins, the Blue Jackets' goaltender, played impressively, thwarting 23 of 25 shots. His remarkable performance was highlighted by saving all seven power-play shots from the Bruins, including one particularly incredible right-pad save against Charlie McAvoy. On the other end, Bruins' Joonas Korpisalo made 27 saves but was hindered by significant defensive lapses and multiple misplays throughout the game.
Throughout the game, discipline favored the Blue Jackets, who only committed two penalties compared to multiple infractions by the Bruins. This lack of composure from Boston directly resulted in Columbus capitalizing on the power-play opportunities, scoring three goals on power plays, including Voronkov's second marker of the match. With this performance, it marked the sixth time this season the Bruins have allowed three power-play goals. The Blue Jackets, on the other hand, showcased resilience, now being 10-0-3 when going up after two periods.
Head coach Jim Montgomery acknowledged the disappointing performance, pointing out the team's failure to transition effectively during the second period. He stated, 'The second period got away from us. We didn’t manage the puck well, and we let them dictate the pace.' This acknowledgment is significant, as the coaching perspective adds layers to the analysis of the Bruins' dwindling chances to remain competitive.
With the Bruins returning home to play the Blue Jackets again on Saturday, December 28, at TD Garden, it's clear they need to regroup swiftly. The match is scheduled for 7 PM ET, with broadcasting on ESPN+. Betting odds favor the Bruins at -225 against the Blue Jackets' +185 underdog status.
Looking forward, the injury reports suggest both teams will be slightly handicapped. For Boston, Hampus Lindholm is on the injury list with a lower body issue, having contributed 7 points from 17 games. Columbus, meanwhile, has several key players missing, including Jordan Dumais, Justin Danforth, Erik Gudbranson, Boone Jenner, and Yegor Chinakhov, which could affect their lineup depth and performance. Despite the injuries, the recent home success for the Blue Jackets creates uncertainty for the Bruins.
The stakes couldn't be higher as Boston looks to correct its course and aim for the playoffs. Critical players like Brad Marchand, who extended his point streak to 11 games with his assist on Charlie Coyle's goal, will need to step up once again to help turn the tide against the Blue Jackets. 'We need to play with urgency, and our leaders need to step up,' emphasized Montgomery, and it's evident the stakes are high for the coming contest.
The Boston Bruins will face off against the Columbus Blue Jackets again on Saturday, and after their last match's shortcomings, they can certainly feel the pressure to deliver. Puck drop is set for 7 PM ET and the team will need to carry momentum from their solid opening period against Columbus and maintain competitiveness to build much-needed confidence moving forward.
