Bruins Face Penalty Problem In Early Games
The Boston Bruins, perennial contenders in the NHL, have stumbled out of the gate this season, facing a concerning trend: too many penalties. While the team boasts a strong offensive core and a solid defensive foundation, their inability to stay out of the penalty box is hindering their early success.
A Costly Trend
In their first few games, the Bruins have consistently taken more penalties than their opponents, leading to several power-play goals against. This penalty problem has been a recurring theme in recent years, and it seems to be a major hurdle for the team to overcome.
Here are some key contributing factors:
- Aggression Turning Into Penalties: The Bruins are known for their physical and aggressive playing style. While this intensity is a key part of their identity, it often leads to undisciplined penalties, especially hooking and tripping calls.
- Lack Of Discipline: There appears to be a lack of discipline amongst the players, evident in careless penalties taken at inopportune times.
- Slow Start: The Bruins have struggled to adjust to the new season's tempo, leading to some early-game penalties.
The Impact On The Game
The Bruins' penalty problem has had a significant impact on their performance:
- Power Play Goals Against: Giving up too many power plays creates a significant advantage for opposing teams, who are able to capitalize on the extra man and score crucial goals.
- Momentum Shifts: Every penalty taken interrupts the Bruins' flow and gives their opponent a chance to gain momentum.
- Fatigue: Spending time in the penalty box wears down the players, making it difficult to sustain their intensity and compete at a high level.
The Need For Improvement
The Bruins need to address their penalty problem urgently. Here are some potential solutions:
- Improved Discipline: Coach Jim Montgomery must instill a sense of discipline in his players, stressing the importance of avoiding unnecessary penalties.
- Pre-Game Preparation: The team needs to focus on pre-game preparation, emphasizing the importance of staying out of the penalty box.
- Player Accountability: Individual players need to take responsibility for their actions and understand the impact of their penalties on the team.
The Bruins have a talented roster and the potential to be a dominant force in the NHL. However, they need to improve their penalty discipline to unlock their full potential. If they can consistently stay out of the penalty box, the Bruins will be a much tougher team to beat and a true contender for the Stanley Cup.