The Boston Bruins are one of the best teams in the NHL. They have a top three goalie in Jeremy Swayman in both save percentage and goals against. They have David Pastrnak who is top 5 in both points and goals. A top 10 Power Play, and a record setting Penalty Kill Unit. Everything must be great right?
The play in the third period is something the Bruins must clean up. Three of the past four games saw the Bruins give up third period leads. They have been outscored by opponents four out of the last five games in the third period. This is dangerous way to play. The most recent third period collapse came at the hands of the Wild, where they gave up two goals in a span of 118 seconds. While the old saying goes, a two-goal lead is the most dangerous lead in hockey, the Bruins need to find ways to put teams away and not give them hope.
The Bruins have a 13-1-5 record when leading after two periods, which on paper looks great as there is only one regulation loss. However, when you look at percentages, they rank the third lowest in the league in win percentage when leading after two periods at (.684), trailed by only the Shark and Flames, two teams not expected to contend this year. This is a trend that has continued from last year's playoff series loss to Florida.
Yes, the Bruins are one of the best teams in the league, they are at the front of the league in many categories, have great goaltending and a legitimate star in Pastrnak who sometimes seems he can score at will. However, legitimate playoff and Stanley Cup Contenders finish games, play all 60 minutes and put the hammer down on teams in the third period to solidify wins. It is by no means time to panic, but will the Bruins answer the bell in the third moving forward?
