The Bruins’ recent run of lackluster play caught up to them in Raleigh Saturday night, as they squandered a 2-1 lead and fell 4-2.
Really, they had no business being in the lead in the first place, as they were sloppy throughout the game. But they were still 2-1-0 last week and are within striking distance of the New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference for first place, even if Ottawa is nipping at their heels (with the Bruins holding plenty of games in hand on the Senators).
There were a few standout individual performances throughout the week, starting with Milan Lucic. The left winger’s goal against Montreal was the game-winner and his goal against Carolina put the Bruins ahead in the third period. He tallied two assists and was minus-1 on the week with seven shots on net and 10 hits.
Lucic’s center David Krejci extended his points streak to 11 games with four assists in the three games last week. He was minus-1 with seven shots on net. Krejci registered the primary assist on Nathan Horton’s game-tying goal against Winnipeg.
Defenseman Johnny Boychuk was active in the Bruins’ final two games of the week, with an assist in each. He was plus-1 for the week with six shots on net, including the one that led to an assist on Patrice Bergeron’s goal in Carolina. Boychuk was also credited with seven blocked shots.
So I ask you, readers of TheBruinsBlog.net:

no vote here, who expected the B’s to win every game this season anyway. Am I the only one who saw Tyler Seguin’s sick moves in front of the NJ net Thurs nite?!
Just a little mid season slump. Every team goes through it at some point. I’d rather have this now then down the stretch of course. They just need to dig deep and scrape out the wins when they can. Good teams can still grind out wins during slumps.
I’m sure Marchmot is quite missed right now, as well as not having Pevs in the lineup last night. They’ll get their swagger and tenacity back soon enough. Thought Tuka actually had a great game last night, really only should’ve had one go by him, other goal was complete junk and a lucky bounce. Can’t expect him to save all the break aways either.
On another note, I still can’t believe Bergi didn’t find his way on the All Star list. All in all, it will be a nice break for them all after this busy away stand.
There should be a goal of the week on this blog. I agree with Terry, Thornton’s goal would be there. I also liked Lucic’s goal off Jokinen last week…it was gold. I concur with Ben, havn’t been too impressed with Caron. He doesn’t really seem to skate and loses the puck fairly easily. I like Hamill on that line. Bergeron deserves props lately. He is putting in a lot of goals lately. He’s on fire.
Bruins16… Looks like Peverley listened, unfortunately. Look I’m just saying Hamill has looked decent on the third and fourth lines. Much more so than Caron so far. In the long run Caron does have greater upside by a long shot but Hamill seems to match better on that third line.
No question that Marchand is missed. Not even so much for what his absence does to the lines or for his talent, but b/c they are missing his style of play. Clearly they lack tenacity and fire at the moment. Often the Bs try to cure this with fighting – my hope is that they realize their real strength isn’t simply in intimidation, but from the kind of pressure most teams can’t match. Keep the gloves on and skate tonight boys – The league is watching.
George your spot on about the third line. I think the D has had a bad week of give aways from the circle down. Back to basics run it up the side walls get it out.
Ben
I hope no one is listening to you. I would take Caron in a heart beat over Hamill.
I never thought I would say this but put Hamill in and sit Caron.
Marchand out hurting the team a lot. The 3rd line looks lost out there with Caron. When Marchand comes back the team will play different.
Thornton for his penalty shot move. Other than that this has been a most forgettable week for the team. I believe Bojangles said beware of the let down after Canucks game and he is dead on. The B’s are lacking the intensity and focus. Thank god the Pat’s were on because Montreal first two periods and last night first two were yawners at best.