After another defensive meltdown led to an embarrassing 6-1 loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday at Rogers Arena, Boston Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy held a film session prior to the team's practice on Sunday as it prepared for today's game against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome.
Cassidy's focused on defensive-zone coverage, specifically in the slot area and then ran practice drills to work on those aspects. He stressed that the team has been too loose in its own end and it needs to be fixed before it becomes a bigger issue. He described it as a "work day." When the Bruins are sound defensively, it usually translates into a potent offense, so it'll be interesting to see how they respond today.
Tuukka Rask, who was pulled after the first period against the Canucks, will start today against the Flames. He's 20-2-2 in his last 24 games and recently posted a 5-2 win against the Flames last week at TD Garden.
Defenseman Kevan Miller, who has missed the last seven games due to an upper-body injury, has not been cleared to play. It's possible he could return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Edmonton Oilers.
Observations from first period.
- The Bruins are attempting to avoid back-t0-back losses for the first time since Nov. 11-15.
- Jake DeBrusk and David Krejci continue to play well despite being snakebitten.
- A few strong shifts for Noel Acciari to start the game.
- David Pastrnak wins the puck battle down low and gives the Bruins a 1-0 lead. It's his 22nd of the season and first goal since Feb. 3.
- Ryan Spooner is playing like the NHL trade deadline is a week away.
- With the way Acciari's playing today, he's due for a goal. It's evident he's feeling better and he's been first on the forecheck and creating scoring chances.
- Bruins are doing a better job in front of their own net. Clearing a rebound led to a scoring chance at the other end of the ice.
- Torey Krug's stick has to be the shortest in the league. I think it could be the same size as my 12-year-old son's stick.
- DeBrusk has become a force on the forecheck.
- Fourth line is once again making contributions.
- Good opening period by the Bruins. Allowed only four shots in the first 20, which means Boston's defensive game is much better than it was against the Canucks.
- Would love to be a fly on the wall for that conversation between Adam McQuaid and Garnet Hathaway in the penalty box after that fight. Seemed like they were discussing dinner reservations.
- Spooner needs to shoot that puck.
- No one picks the puck off the kick plate as smooth as Matt Grzelcyk. It's one of his strengths. He then uses his explosive speed to create separation.
- Zdeno Chara can't find the puck in his skates and the Flames tie the game at 1-1 on the power play. Not sure why Chara didn't take out Matthew Tkachuk on that play. If you can't find the puck, take the body.
- Krug getting the puck to the net with authority. He's been making a point of that of late.
- It's about time for a Patrice Bergeron power-play goal right here. Team needs it.
- I've said it numerous times, but Bergeron has mastered the stick check. Can't wait to talk to him about it.
- What a save by David Rittich on Spooner, who goes left and shoots right, but a solid glove save stifles the opportunity.
- I normally don't question the officials but there's been two questionable calls against the Bruins in this one.
- Now it looks like Acciari is hampered again with the lower-body injury.
- Rittich with another highlight-reel save on Pastrnak. Keeps this one tied at 1-1.
- Shoot. The. Puck.
- Boston's fourth line will score in this game.
- Untimely turnover by Chara.
- DeBrusk scored a goal earlier this season by throwing the puck on net from a bad angle. Give it another bid tonight.
- Defensive-zone turnovers becoming an issue for the Bruins this period.
- Rask huge so far in OT.
- Marchand wins it on a breakaway and beating Rittich to the five-hole.