A coaching change in February seemed like it might be the impetus that the Boston Bruins needed in order to avoid missing the post-season for the third year in a row, but a lack of ability to finish in important games has left the Bruins in dire straits as the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs approach, leaving their chances of making a playoff spot slimmer by the day.<\/p>\n
Despite the stellar performances from players like Brad Marchand<\/a><\/strong>, Patrice Bergeron<\/a><\/strong>, and Tuukka Rask<\/a><\/strong>, there continues to be a lack of offensive power. Players like Matt Beleskey<\/a><\/strong> and David Backes<\/a><\/strong>, added to the team for their goal-scoring abilities, have not shown as much production as was expected. Young players like Ryan Spooner<\/a><\/strong> and Frank Vatrano<\/a><\/strong>, who are known for their skill and shooting abilities, continue to be underutilized by coach Bruce Cassidy<\/a><\/strong>. This complaint was also frequent under the tenure of previous coach Claude Julien<\/a><\/strong>, who was let go in February<\/a>\u00a0(to the point that Spooner himself expressed frustration about his relationship with Julien).<\/p>\n Players continue to take bad penalties, leading to scoring opportunities for opponents that should not be happening, particularly the interference call against Dominic Moore<\/a><\/strong> in the last three minutes of the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, which cost Boston the game when a power play goal was scored. Rask’s save percentage has dipped to .890 in the last nine games, and it can be said that the lack of a strong back-up has put a lot of burden on the goaltender, who took a maintenance day on Friday after a tough loss Thursday night.<\/p>\n The team had initial success under Cassidy, with a\u00a012-3 record in the first fifteen games, but it appears that the “honeymoon period” is over. The team has dropped their last four games, including important meetings\u00a0against Atlantic Division rivals Toronto, Ottawa, and Tampa. Currently, they are out of a playoff position, trailing the New York Islanders for the second wildcard spot in the Eastern conference with 81 points in 74 games.\u00a0The Bruins next play a must-win game against the Islanders on Saturday, March 25th at 7pm.<\/p>\n #NHLBruins<\/a> sign forward Ryan Fitzgerald & defenseman Emil Johansson to entry-level contracts: https:\/\/t.co\/fHJ5COd7pY<\/a><\/p>\n — Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) March 24, 2017<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nBoston Bruins Sign Ryan Fitzgerald and Emil Johansson<\/h2>\n
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