BOSTON – It has been nearly a month since the Bruins have two consecutive games. Such a stretch does not sit well with the Black & Gold, who last won two in a row on Feb. 10 and 12 against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.
Since then, Boston is 3-5-1 (29 points) and now sits in a tie for third place in the East Division with the Pittsburgh Penguins, five points behind the New York Islanders for the top spot (with three games in hand).
And with a visit to Long Island on deck for Tuesday night, the Bruins – who are 0-3 at Nassau Coliseum this season – will be looking to stabilize their game once again after failing to build off of their emotional Friday night victory over the Washington Capitals during a sluggish 1-0 loss to the New Jersey Devils on Sunday.
“When we’re not at our best is when we’re forcing plays and not keeping it simple,” said Patrice Bergeron. “I think the Washington game was a perfect example. We put the puck deep early and created some chances out of playing in their zone and having some good speed.
“When we get away from that, that’s when we get in trouble. We definitely have to rectify that. You want to get on a roll here and have a couple wins in a row. Definitely something that we’re aware of and want to change.”
Video: Bergeron talks to media on optional practice day
Bergeron Feeling Good
Despite taking a maintenance day on Saturday, Bergeron said that he is “feeling good” physically but remaining vigilant as the Bruins navigate a busy stretch that includes 12 games in 23 days to close out March.
“It’s a shortened season with a lot of hockey so it was maintenance the day before the New Jersey game and that’s it,” said Bergeron. “As we go forward, as well, you look at the amount of games…it is what it is and we have to make the best of it. No issues.”
Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy is also staying mindful of the rigors of this 56-game campaign, as evidenced by his decision to make Monday’s practice an optional skate. Boston’s bench boss expects that morning skates will become a bit more involved than normal with practice time likely to dwindle as the season goes on.
“Morning skates you probably have to build in a few more things than you normally would just to loosen up. Getting the appropriate rest falls hand in hand with that,” said Cassidy. “How you use your lineup obviously; we have some injuries on the back end so we don’t have the luxury of subbing in maybe our seventh, eighth defenseman because they’re already playing. That’s a little bit of keeping your fingers crossed that no more of those injuries come along and you get through the stretches like that.
“You manage the players’ minutes and try to use everyone in our lineup. I think we have good depth. Understand when you’ve got to push the buttons on some guys and stretch them out. Depth in your lineup is what comes through for you when you have those difficult stretches. A little bit of injury luck along the way too.”
Rask Could Miss Trip
Tuukka Rask was among those taking the option on Monday after appearing to be in some discomfort as he made his way to the bench for an extra attacker on Sunday night. Rask seemed to be grabbing at his lower back while skating off and could miss the trip to Long Island with Jaroslav Halak already scheduled make the start on Tuesday.
“Obviously was a little bit uncomfortable,” said Cassidy. “We’ll see what his status is for [Tuesday]. I believe it’s Jaro’s start anyway. If there’s any issue at all we may send someone else to back up just for precautionary measures because it’s a quick trip in and out. That’s the adjustment we’d make if he’s not prepared to back up or not able to back up.”
In other injury news, Ondrej Kase once again skated on his own with skating and skills coach Kim Brandvold on Monday morning before Boston’s optional practice. Kase (upper-body) has not played since the second game of the season in New Jersey.
Video: Bergeron talks to media on optional practice day
Power Outage Continues
The Bruins’ power play has struggled of late and has dropped to 11th in the league with a 24.2% success rate. Boston has now gone 0 for its last 12 over six games, with Bergeron saying the B’s man advantage has become “too stagnant.”
“If we can try to find ways to move a little bit more, move the puck faster and quickly, I think that’s when, as a penalty kill, when you get moving, one step is enough to get that puck through and find that little space that you need on the power play,” said Bergeron.
“If you make them move and get out of position by moving the puck and moving well all over the ice it helps.”