McDonald: Forget this game and the Sox - these Bruins are worthy of your attention

No one will remember this game and for good reason.

Here are the nuts and bolts: The Bruins lost 4-0 to the Colorado Avalanche. It was Game No. 2 of the 2017-18 season. To a man, every player on Boston’s roster struggled. The Bruins were without Patrice Bergeron (lower-body injury) and David Backes (diverticulitis). Defenseman Torey Krug returned to the lineup after missing three weeks with a broken jaw.

All that information means absolutely nothing today, or tomorrow, or until the Red Sox and Patriots seasons are over. Unfortunately, that’s the way it is in this city. The Patriots and the Red Sox rule the roost in these parts, while the Bruins and Celtics play third and fourth fiddle. Who's higher depends on the season.



That’s the hierarchy until early February, or until the Bruins and/or Celtics reach the postseason. There will be terrible games during the 82-game season for the Bruins, and when this season is over, this 4-0 loss to the Avalanche will likely rank as one of the worst.

“It’s one game – one game,” said Tuukka Rask.

Thankfully, this game was already forgotten about because everyone quickly turned their attention to the Red Sox, who were in the midst of Game 4 of the ALDS against the Houston Astros at Fenway Park.

With 3:55 remaining in Monday’s matinee, the 17,565 in attendance at TD Garden began chanting: “Let’s go Red Sox. Let’s go Red Sox. Let’s go Red Sox.” It was a legit chant and not Tom Werner-ish.

It shows that Boston and New England fans are passionate about their teams. Even found myself paying attention to the Red Sox game, especially when Dustin Pedroia was arguing balls and strikes in the bottom of the second inning (it was a strike, Dustin).

It’s also frustrating, however, because there’s no better sport than hockey, even if this Bruins game was terrible. Unlike baseball and football, there are no casual fans in hockey. You’re either a fan, or you’re not.

October baseball is exhilarating – no question about it. It’s too bad it’s such a long season because baseball can be an exciting game.

The season is too long, games are too long, and unless you know what you’re watching, a nine-inning game is boring to watch on television. You might leave with a broken back or neck because of the uncomfortable seats, but watching a game live at Fenway is usually an eye-opening experience. Baseball has its pros and cons.

With the exception of Monday’s Bruins game, the majority of the season is invigorating, no matter the opponent or venue. Comparing professional sports is tough because there are so many different variables. To the purists, it shouldn’t matter that the Bruins were through a period and a half on Monday, while the Red Sox and Astros only played an inning and a half (by the way: both games began minutes apart).

After two periods, the baseball game was through three innings. When the final buzzer sounded at the Garden, it was raining at Fenway and it was only the top of the sixth inning. Both the Bruins and the Red Sox lost. The only difference is the Sox’ season is over and the Bruins is just beginning. What’s similar: Both teams began their respective seasons with high expectations.

Unfortunately, the Red Sox did not live up to theirs. It’s too early to know how the Bruins’ season will end. No matter how it does, this team will be exciting to watch. Monday’s performance was a clear indication it will be a work in progress, but the 4-3 win over the Nashville Predators in the season opener is a better indication how the Bruins can play.

It doesn’t matter if Monday’s game is played on Oct. 9 or April 9, it’s still important because one or two points could be the difference between earning a postseason berth or missing out on the playoffs. It’s not time to panic.

“From the first shift, everything went the wrong way,” said Bruins’ David Pastrnak. “Those games are going to happen. The season is long and we have to be better. We have to learn what we did wrong and how we can do better next time.”

After splitting the first two home games, the Bruins head out on their first road trip of the season through Denver, Phoenix and Las Vegas, beginning Wednesday against the Avalanche.

“These road trips are always trips you want to grow as a team and get together,” Rask said.

Yes, it’s only the second game of the season, and the Bruins are without Bergeron and Backes, which has a huge impact on the team.

“It’s a big loss for us – no question,” Brad Marchand said of Bergeron’s absence. “He’s an incredible player, one that we rely upon in every situation. It’s tough having him out, but we still have a really good team and collectively we have to pick up the slack and try to fill that void. We have to do the job, regardless who’s in and out of the lineup.”

There was no win, dance, repeat at Fenway on Monday, and there never will be at the Garden. The Patriots will rule the landscape until their season is over, but more than the hardcore and loyal fans should start paying close attention to the Bruins because this is going to be the beginning of something special once again on the ice in Boston.