The Boston Bruins have been a top NHL team for years, always finding ways to win and stay strong. But now, it seems like they might finally be slowing down, with some problems showing up early this season.
After losing 5-2 to the Dallas Stars on Thursday night, their record is now 3-4-1 in the first seven games. What’s more worrying than the numbers is how they’re playing.
Their defense looks average, goalies aren’t as sharp as before, and their offense is struggling big time. For years, the Bruins were known for great defense and amazing goalkeeping. Last season’s cracks in defense showed when they ranked low in allowing scoring chances and expected goals. Back then, Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman saved them with stellar goaltending. Now? Not so much.
Bruins’ Challenges Unfold:
Ullmark moved to Ottawa after a trade , leaving Swayman to hold down the fort alone—and he hasn’t matched his past performance yet. More goals are slipping through because of this change in net protection. Fans might think it’s just a phase that Swayman will overcome soon enough.
But there’s more trouble brewing on offense; they’re averaging only 2.8 goals per game—one of the lowest in the league! Generating shots and chances has been tough during even-strength play.
Currently sitting at 29th place for shots per 60 minutes and similar rankings for expected goals and scoring chances (as per Natural Stat Trick), things look bleak on ice unless they create more opportunities to score consistently.
Without a solid No. 1 center or many finishers beyond David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand, these issues could force them into an unexpected battle just to secure a playoff spot this season.
Do you think they’ll bounce back?
