Here is a way to spotlight some of the Bruins’ current problems: The Zacha-Coyle-Brazeau line did a really good job tiling the ice in the Bruins’ favor. 10-0 in shot attempts, 5-0 in shots on target, but couldn’t create a single high danger chance and barely moved the needle on xGF. All that possession and zone dominance, did nothing with it. This roster is so offensively limited.
On the defensive side, some bad lapses again. Get a semi-pass 5v5 for spending 2 periods a man down, but some of the PK play was awful. Zero pressure put on the Leafs who were able to get pucks and bodies to the net at will.
Other than that, just some terrible puck management and decision-making. Bad habits creeping back in. PP putrid. 2nd period another self-inflicted wound of sloppiness and indiscipline. There were stretches where their 5v5 play was actually ok, but they could never sustain it for long or actually create much offensively.
So one step forward, at least one step back. This group remains very flawed and sketchy. The pressure goes right back on the coaches. The players have to own their errors and weakness, but I don’t think the guys behind the bench are helping. Plenty of blame to go around.
To end on a slight positive, I thought Johnson looked ok given he was playing for the first time since spring. Give him a decent opportunity, see how it goes.