If there’s one thing these Bruins can say it’s that they’re certainly keeping things seasonal. In true October fashion Boston has indeed had a SCARY start to the 2024-25 campaign. Sitting at 4-4-1 as of October 27th, the group and their third-year coach find themselves in unfamiliar territory. Struggling early. With a combined record of 16-1-1 over the past two October’s, things have not followed suite this time around.
Halloween candy anybody? Not quite a horror show but definitely a story of unease thus far.
In what was looked at as a big week versus some top-level opponents the Bruins managed to get completely outplayed in two of three contests. A 4-0 loss to the then winless Nashville Predators was followed up with a 5-2 drubbing at the hands of the Dallas Stars. On home ice no less. The BOOS could be seen and heard from the Boston crowd as clear as the decorations currently hanging in windows and on the lawns of those who celebrate the 31st of October. SPINE TINGLING and without question; SCARY stuff. A lack of urgency and continued Undiscipled play continues to HAUNT the group and it has become a lingering issue. Being outscored by an 9-2 margin had to have had Jeremy Swayman asking for help from his apparent ZOMBIE like teammates.
Not everything came out bleak for the group this week however as Boston did win their Saturday night game against division rival Toronto Maple Leafs. In what felt as close as a playoff game in October could feel like, the Bruins in fact played their best game to date. Maybe the Leafs were just what the Bruins needed. A rival, on Hockey Night in Canada, on the last weekend before the GOBLINS and MONSTERS come out. Whatever the motivation, it worked. In what was a very SPIRITED match between two teams struggling early, something had to give. To the surprise of nobody, including yours truly, the game required extra time and thus granted each team a point. Captain Brad Marchand sure picked a great time to score his first of the season as he sent everyone home happy. Well, almost everyone. Any SOUL wearing blue aside. The guy dressed up as Papa Smurf was in fact a Bruins fan so he doesn’t count!
Early whispers within the NHL rumor mill have spoke of Jim Montgomery’s future being in possible jeopardy. The coach currently working without an extension has shown moments of frustration. Case in point, Montgomery was seen barking at Marchand after the captain had committed a HORRIFYING turnover vs the Utah Hockey Club last week. Uncharacteristic behavior can become the norm however when a team is not performing to expectations. Maybe Saturday night vs Toronto was the game players, coaches, WEREWOLVES and fans alike needed. They don’t call it SPOOKY season for nothing after all.
The Lookahead
Boston will host the Philidelphia Flyers on Tuesday before travelling to Carolina on HALLOWEEN night. Saturday sees them back in Boston for a matinee with the Flyers for a second time in the week. Sunday, they wrap up by travelling to Seattle for a 5pm game. Four games in six days for a team hoping they have rounded the corner on a FRIEGHTENING start to the season. With November only days away, the Bruins will need to bank as many points as possible to stay relevant in the ultra-competitive Atlantic Division.
G-Rant @TheRealG_Rant / Grant Cumming. Bruins fan. Bigger dreams, bigger screens, bigger feelings are planned.
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