Guys are fighting for wins, of course, but also for ice time and for jobs, be it this season or next, be it in Boston or another NHL outpost.
www.bostonglobe.com
LAS VEGAS — The game was decided but the Bruins decided to fight on.
The Golden Knights had taken control midway through and
built a 5-0 lead with five-plus minutes remaining Thursday night at T-Mobile Arena.
For a lot of teams, that’s quittin' time.
But the Bruins, who have been through a coaching change, major lineup-altering injuries, and a seismic roster overhaul during trade deadline week, kept skating, kept finishing their checks, and kept moving forward.
It was an indication that there is still fight left in this group.
“It has to be,” said coach Joe Sacco, his club mired in a four-game losing streak. “I mean, that’s all we have. We have to make sure that whatever comes our way that we stick with it and we embrace the challenge that’s in front of us. So, I mean, we just have to keep playing in certain situations.”
“I don’t think there’s a question about the fight in here. I think it’s just we’ve got to understand the position we’re in and try not to lose sight of the end goal,” said Geekie. “I know it’s hard. We’re trying to take it one game at a time, but we’re all working for the same goal, and I believe in this group in here, and I know everybody believes in it, as well. So, I mean, I don’t think the fight ever left. I wouldn’t put too much weight on the goal as to how we finish the game, but it’s just something we’ve got to learn from. Try to take the things we can use in the next game and go into San Jose and use the strengths that we had tonight.”
The fight is the biggest thing Boston (30-31-9) has going for it. Guys are fighting for wins, of course, but also for ice time and for jobs. Be it this season or next, be it in Boston or another NHL outpost.
The Bruins have a dozen games left, beginning Saturday against the baby Sharks in San Jose, Calif. The postseason seems like a pipedream unless they can rip off the kind of streak that they haven’t been able to manage all season.
“It’s one game at a time and it should be simplified to one shift at a time and everything we can control, and we can’t let things snowball and worry about the past because we can’t control it,” said Jeremy Swayman, who has lost three straight since his back-to-back wins following the trade deadline. “And that’s a message that we hope to get across to everyone here, and we just need to keep moving forward. It’s all we can control and again, just keep pushing for that playoff spot.”
A young veteran at 26, Swayman, like Geekie, hasn’t noticed any drop-off in effort level despite the results not being there.
“I’m really proud of this group and the way that we’re battling the adversity that’s come our way,” he said. “Everyone that’s put the jersey on has been called upon, has given their all effort, and that’s all I want from these guys, and I think they’re doing a good job of that.”
