NHL Playoffs: Bruins Must Improve in Key Areas To Extend the Series

   Brad Marchand played incredibly in the first round, and even in the first game of the second round. Marchand was out for Game 4 and it was announced by Jim Montgomery on Tuesday that he’ll also be staying out for Game 5. So, without a key player, it’ll be a challenge for the Bruins to win this game in Florida to make it to Game 6.

Jim Montgomery on Brad Marchand ahead of Game 5, the team and their focus after their previous loss, and what Marchand brings to being there on and off the ice: “Not an option tonight. I think our focus is on our structure, our execution, and getting ready to win Game 5. Now, giving him an opportunity is extra motivation, yes,” – “I think we handled it well, I don’t think there’s been a lot of discussion about the last game. We’ve moved on, we’re getting ready, and we’ve looked at some areas to improve upon; we expect to improve upon them tonight. – His presence. There’s an intensity to him about everything he does, and there’s a professionalism to everything he does. So, it’s a common effect on the group, it’s what we’re used to.”

   The Bruins have a lot to work on, which you’d find surprising due to their solid gameplay in round one of the playoffs. They need to focus on their structure and their execution and be ready to take on the Florida Panthers on Tuesday. It would help the team a lot if their captain would be able to have an opportunity to make a comeback for Game 5, he’d be able to motivate them for sure. However, the Bruins have areas to work on without their captain, and one thing that would be good, in my opinion, would be to give Jeremy Swayman a break and have Linus Ullmark start. I believe that’s a way to start here for such a crucial game. 

Swayman has been absolutely outstanding in the playoffs, keeping the Bruins in during this second round and fighting his hardest to keep it going. He’s a positive goaltender and does a lot for the team, however, he needs a break. He’s been in for just about every game, and there could be a difference if Ullmark starts for Game 5. That’s one of the many ways Boston can get it together tonight and start working on things to help them get moving.

Morgan Geekie on Marchand and his mindset ahead of Game 5: “He’s a great captain. Everyone has a lot of respect for him in this room, and it’s good to see him on the ice for sure and making progress. So, we’re just happy he’s around. He’s a super happy guy and brings a lot of energy to the room – you notice when he’s not around. It’s a good thing he’s here, we’re happy to have him on the trip, and we’re just going to try to get the job done for him tonight,” – “At this point, we all know the situation we’re in and the adversity that we face coming through these last few games, and even last round for that matter. I don’t know if there’s much to be said. I think we all understand what’s at stake for us. I think everybody’s ready to go tonight.” 

   The Bruins need to focus on the areas they’re struggling in, structure, execution, high intensity and playing under pressure, and simply being ready to go for this game. The team knows the situation they’re in and they need to find ways to keep them from elimination to make a comeback here.