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Bruins Look for Answers as Playoff Hopes Fade
The Boston Bruins (30-35-9, 69 points) enter Tuesday’s matchup against the Washington Capitals (47-17-9, 103 points) in the midst of an eight-game winless streak (0-7-1). Their latest setback, a 2-1 loss to the Detroit Red Wings, showed signs of improvement, but time is running out to turn things around.
With the Bruins slipping further behind in the playoff race, interim head coach Joe Sacco is searching for solutions. The team’s defense has been shaky, their offense inconsistent, and their special teams have struggled.
Meanwhile, the Capitals arrive at TD Garden looking to regain momentum after three straight losses, including an 8-5 defeat to Buffalo. The bigger storyline, however, is Alex Ovechkin’s continued march toward history.
Can the Bruins Contain Ovechkin?
Ovechkin is now just five goals away from tying Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record of 894 career goals. He has been heating up lately, scoring three times in his last five games and six times since the start of March.
Facing Boston, Ovechkin will be looking for his 30th career goal against the Bruins, a team he has terrorized over the years. He remains one of the NHL’s most dangerous snipers, especially on the power play.
“He’s caused some nightmares, for sure,” Sacco admitted. “You have to pay close attention to him, especially in his spot over there in the elbow.”
Bruins’ Defensive Issues Continue Without McAvoy
Boston’s defense has struggled in recent weeks, allowing five or more goals in three of their last five games before Saturday’s loss in Detroit. The absence of Charlie McAvoy, who remains out with a shoulder injury, has left a massive hole in the blue line.
McAvoy returned to practice on Monday, but there’s still no timetable for his return.
“What I’m trying to do right now is just rehab the best I can,” McAvoy said. “I’m working every day to put myself in a position to potentially play this year.”
Without McAvoy, Hampus Lindholm, Brandon Carlo, and Matt Grzelcyk have had to step up, but the results have been mixed. Boston’s penalty kill ranks 20th in the NHL, which is bad news against Washington’s potent power play.
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Capitals’ Defense Looks to Rebound After Rare Breakdown
Washington has been one of the NHL’s best defensive teams, but their performance against Buffalo was uncharacteristic. The Capitals allowed eight goals, marking the first time this season they’ve given up more than five in a game.
Coach Spencer Carbery remains confident that his team can bounce back.
“I think we’ll put that one behind us,” Carbery said. “We’ve got to get this thing going, but we’re finding ways right now to come out on the other end.”
One bright spot for the Capitals has been Jakob Chychrun, who scored twice against Buffalo and became Washington’s first 20-goal defenseman since 2008-09. His offensive ability adds another dimension to Washington’s attack.
Ryan Leonard Set to Make NHL Debut
A major storyline for the Capitals is the expected NHL debut of Ryan Leonard, one of the team’s top prospects. The 20-year-old signed his entry-level contract on Monday, just one day after his Boston College team was eliminated from the NCAA Tournament.
Leonard, a Massachusetts native, recorded back-to-back 30-goal seasons in college, a feat not achieved since 2011.
“He’s had a great season,” Carbery said. “Anytime you don’t win the last game, it’s tough, but he’s got a bright future ahead of him.”
Adding Leonard to the lineup gives Washington another offensive weapon, and it will be interesting to see how he performs in his first NHL game.
Key Matchups to Watch
1. Ovechkin vs. Bruins’ Penalty Kill
Boston’s penalty kill ranks 20th in the NHL and has struggled all season. The Bruins must be disciplined and avoid giving Ovechkin open looks on the power play.
2. Bruins’ Offense vs. Capitals’ Goaltending
The Bruins have scored just eight goals in their last five games. If they can’t generate more offense, they won’t stand a chance against Washington’s strong defensive core.
3. Goaltending Battle: Jeremy Swayman vs. Darcy Kuemper
Swayman has been Boston’s best player all season, but he’ll need a stellar performance to steal a win. On the other side, Kuemper has been solid for Washington, but he’s coming off a rough outing against Buffalo.
Keys to Victory for Boston
Stay out of the penalty box – Ovechkin thrives on the power play. Boston can’t afford to give him chances.
Shoot the puck more – The Bruins have struggled with offensive zone time. Generating more shots and traffic in front of the net is critical.
Play a physical game – Washington has a big, skilled lineup. If Boston can play with an edge and slow the Capitals down, they’ll have a better chance.
Get elite goaltending – Whether it’s Swayman or Linus Ullmark, Boston’s goalie must be the best player on the ice for the Bruins to have a chance.
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Game Information
- Date: Tuesday, April 2, 2024
- Location: TD Garden – Boston, MA
- Time: 7:00 PM ET
- Broadcast: ESPN+, NESN, Monumental Sports Network
Final Prediction: Capitals 4, Bruins 2
The Bruins showed some signs of life against Detroit, but Washington’s firepower, combined with Ovechkin’s pursuit of history, makes them the favorites. Look for Ovechkin to add to his goal total, and for Washington to snap their losing streak as Boston’s struggles continue.
