Well that sucked.
Beecher missing that open net resulted in the fourth loudest rebel yell out of my big yapper this year - first three for each of Poitras' goals.
Many points already covered by most so won't belabor them. Some I have not seen or see differently:
- Bring out the icepacks! Maybe it was he Ducks taking advantage of a Loochless squad, but man did the Bruins come in second in terms of physicality in this one. Obvious that part of the Ducks plan was to hit em hard and muck it up. Bruins did a good job of taking it without much resistance! Poitras getting mugged with McAvoy the disinterested onlooker would be an interesting piece of footage to review as a team... Four total hits by Bruins Dmen - D-corps finesse will only get you so far, even in the NHL of today.
- Will never understand how Brown was preferred over Greer. Guy instigated, hit hard, was no fun to play against, had heart and more skill than credited for - did he not crack the lineup of the best ever regular season squad over 60 times last year, for ever that was worth? Was hoping to see him on the 4th with Lucic, or if 13th a very useful replacement for 17 when out. Especially in a game like tonight.
- Maybe besides this game, but even then, I don't see what's the big deal many have with Hampus thus far. The number of times he corrals the puck behind the net with speed and control to carry out a solo breakout is greatly underestimated. Think he has been steady for the most part.
- Same for Zacha tbh. He's been playing fast and strong on the puck. Looks like a player who is about to hit his prime years. Feel things will fall into place with him, despite the positional aspect.
- Scrambly and frustrating at the end of the third tonight, yes, but those two goals were flukey deflections off of Hampus and Marchand. Nothing Linus could have done. Will keep my indignation for another time.
- Still, had those not went in, the win could have again been filed under smoke and mirrors to a large extent. Can't wait to see how they handle the speed and intensity of the next few opponents.