Final: Stars 5, Bruins 2 - Dallas scores 3 power play goals in 2nd period as Bruins lose 2nd straight game in regulation

The Bruins lose their third consecutive game tonight falling to the Dallas Stars 5-2. Just like in their game against Nashville, Boston couldn't keep themselves out of the penalty box, and the Stars made them pay for it. The Bruins scored the first goal of the game midway into the first period when David Pastrnak received a pass from Matthew Poitras right in front of the net. 

Matt Duchene got Dallas on the board late into the 1st period receiving a pass with speed into the offensive zone and scoring on a second-chance wrist shot goal. Seconds into the second period, Pastrnak went to the penalty box for a tripping call, and the parade of power play goals began for Dallas starting with a power play goal from Jason Robertson. A few minutes later, Parker Wotherspoon went to the box for an interference penalty, and Logan Stankoven tipped in a goal for the second power play goal. Former Bruin Tyler Sequin scored the final power play goal for Dallas after another tripping call against Pastrnak, and the Bruins saw themselves in a 4-1 hole midway into the second period. Justin Brazeau scored a power play goal to put Boston within two goals, but it wasn't enough for Boston to get back into the game. In the third period, Dallas scored an early empty net goal to seal the victory for Dallas.

Facing Dallas' backup goalie Casey DeSmith, Boston wasn't able to pressure the former UNH product with enough offense to get back into the game. The Bruins entered the game leading the NHL in penalties drawn, and the same lack of discipline came back at them. Dallas won the special teams game. Even without special teams, Boston has yet to find any offensive chemistry despite the constant line changes, which is why they find themselves on a three-game skid.

The Bruins will continue their homestead with the Toronto Maple Leafs coming to Boston for the first time this season. Puck drop is Saturday at 7 p.m.

____________________________________

WHO: Bruins 3-3-1 vs Stars 5-2
WHEN: 7 p.m.
WHERE: TD Garden, Boston
TV: NESN
RADIO: 98.5-FM The Sports Hub

LIVE BOX SCORE

ROSTERS

PROJECTED LINES

Boston

Marchand - E. Lindholm - Pastrnak

Gekeife - Zacha - Poitras

Koepke - Coyle - Frederic

Beecher - Kastelic - Brazeau

H. Lindholm - McAvoy

Zadorov - Carlo

Wotherspoon - Peeke

Swayman

Korpisalo

Dallas

Robertson - Hintz - Johnston

Marchment - Duchene - Seguin

Benn - Steel - Stankoven

Blackwell - Back - Dadonov

Heiskanen - Dumba

Harley - Lybushkin

Lindell - Lundkvist

PREGAME NOTES

The Bruins open their three-game home stand tonight vs. Dallas (0-0-0). They will continue hosting Toronto on Oct. 26 and Philadelphia on Oct. 29.

The Bruins returned from their recent three-game road trip with a 5-3 win at Colorado on Oct. 16, 2-1/OT setback in Utah on Oct. 19 and aa 4-0 setback in Nashville on Oct. 22.

Boston currently leads the NHL in minor penalties taken.

Jim Montgomery decided to change up his successful 4th line after Tuesday's loss in Nashville. Cole Koepke, who leads the Bruins with three goals and three assists, moved up to a new-look third line with Charlie Coyle and Trent Frederic. 

The Dallas Stars have allowed 1.86 goals a game, which is the 3rd lowest rate in the NHL going into tonight's game.