Bruins Early Season Woes: Penalty Trouble
The Boston Bruins have had a rough start to the season, and one of the biggest contributing factors has been their penalty trouble. Through the first few games, they've been plagued by too many penalties and inconsistent special teams play, leaving them struggling to gain traction in the standings.
A Flood of Penalties
The Bruins are averaging over 10 penalty minutes per game early on, which is a significant number. While some penalties are unavoidable, the team seems to be taking too many undisciplined penalties that are hindering their ability to generate momentum. This can be attributed to several factors:
- Lack of focus: The team appears to be lacking focus at times, leading to erratic play and unnecessary penalties.
- Aggression turning into frustration: The Bruins are known for their physical style of play, but their aggression has often turned into frustration and poor decision-making, resulting in penalties.
- Lack of communication: Poor communication on the ice can lead to misinterpretations of calls and unnecessary penalties.
The Impact on Special Teams
The Bruins' penalty kill has been struggling mightily, often giving up goals to opposing teams. This can be attributed to a lack of communication and cohesion, as well as lapses in coverage that leave the net vulnerable. Additionally, the power play, while having potential, has also struggled to consistently convert. This lack of success on special teams has put the Bruins at a disadvantage, as they're often facing a two-goal deficit when they're down a man.
Finding a Solution
To overcome their penalty woes, the Bruins need to improve their discipline and focus. They need to play smarter hockey, avoiding unnecessary penalties and maintaining composure even when things get heated.
Communication and teamwork are also crucial. Clear communication on the ice will ensure that players are on the same page and can better anticipate opposing plays, reducing the number of penalties.
The Bruins also need to work on their special teams play. They need to strengthen their penalty kill by focusing on communication, strong puck movement, and better coverage. The power play needs to capitalize on their opportunities with creative plays and effective puck distribution.
The Road Ahead
The Bruins' early season struggles are a cause for concern, but they're not insurmountable. The team has the talent and experience to turn things around. However, they need to address their penalty woes and become a more disciplined team if they want to be a true contender in the Eastern Conference.
This is just the beginning of the season, and there's plenty of time for the Bruins to turn things around. But if they want to achieve their goals, they need to get their penalty game under control and find a way to be more consistent on special teams.