Bruins special teams play not so special

by Stanley Cup of Chowder on Oct 13, 2009 5:54 PM EDT

A major area of concern for the Bruins so far this season has been their special teams play. Last season the B's prided themselves on their special teams, finishing the season 4th in the NHL on the powerplay (23.6%) and 12th on the PK (82.4%). But that was then. This is now. The Bruins are a dismal 13.8% on the powerplay (25th in the NHL) and 69.2% on the penalty kill (24th).

The B's have not converted with the man advantage in their last 17 attempts dating back to the Carolina Hurricanes game on October 3rd. Besides the 4 powerplay goals that the Bruins scored in that Carolina game, they have not scored another power play goal this season (4 for 29 on PP). The B's have also given up 2 shorthanded goals (the most in the NHL).

Things are not much better on the penalty kill, which is ordinarily a prenenial strong point for Boston Bruins teams. So far this season, the Bruins have given up a league worst 8 power play goals. Over the last three games, the Bruins opponents are 4 for 10 with the man advantage.

Although special teams play is a big concern for the Bruins, head coach Claude Julien believes that his team needs work in other areas as well. When asked after yesterday's game about fixing the Bruins' special teams play, Julien said "It would help, but I don‟t think it would fix everything. The way we're giving up goals, it's not just on the penalty kill. It‟s on the five-on-five. It's unfortunate because we're not playing well on a consistent basis". The coach went on to say, "There are situations or times in a game when you see your team working hard and creating chances, and you see the "old team" of before. Then, all of the sudden, you shoot yourself in the foot with some bad penalties or some bad decisions. Somewhere down the road, you've got to get things straightened out in your head."

Hopefully the B's can will get things straightened out in their heads and look like the "old team" when they travel to Dallas to take on the Stars on Friday night.

Tweet Comment 18 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

The Bruins’ success rate at faceoffs sucks as well

by delta on Oct 14, 2009 8:49 AM EDT reply actions

If I remember correctly, the Bruins PP started last year out at like 70% through the first handful of games.

Join me on the Hockey Blog Adventure! (or Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 14, 2009 9:25 AM EDT reply actions

Or maybe that was PK. Either way, it was last in the league.

Join me on the Hockey Blog Adventure! (or Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 14, 2009 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions

Not the best start.

And they are professionals, so they should be ready to play, but I wonder how much having the preseason rushed by the Olympics has hurt them a litle bit.

Like Freddy T. said on Toucher and Rich this morning, why didn’t the NHL start the preseason earlier if they started the season it self over two weeks early?

That does give me a little hope they they are just sluggish, and a road trip will help them.

by 13_Legion on Oct 14, 2009 11:38 AM EDT reply actions

Freddy T gave Stanley Cup of Chowder a nice plug on the air this morning.

Stanley Cup of Chowder: A Hearty Serving of Hockey in The Hub

by Stanley Cup of Chowder on Oct 14, 2009 5:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Taking Ference off of the power play would also help. In my opinion he’s been the worst defenseman for this team so far this young season.

by BuriesIt on Oct 14, 2009 2:13 PM EDT reply actions

everyone settle down...

Everything is going to be OK!! Getting on the road will help (I mean, it can’t hurt, right?). The B’s are just having a tough time getting all the gears working together and playing as a team. Their play will pick up and all will be right with the world again. Afterall they’re just one game below .500.

by j3rockstar on Oct 14, 2009 2:50 PM EDT reply actions

But…but…but…what if they don’t?!? Then they don’t make the playoffs, then we lose Savard and Kobasew, then we trade Krejci for Hal Gill, then no one goes to games next year, then Jacobs decides to sell (ok, that ain’t so bad), then Jim Balsillie buys them and moves them to Hamilton, then the Celtics buy the arena, then they decide to get rid of the ice rink, then Bettman continues to ignore Boston to expand to Houston, and San Diego, and Albuquerque, then Milan Lucic becomes a Hab and wins the Cup with them 5 times and they retire his number and OH MY GOD THEY NEED TO WIN THESE NEXT TWO GAMES!!!

…or, I guess they could start calling up guys from Providence to light a fire under the team’s collective butt.

I’m not good at this “analysis and predictions” stuff.

by Arenacale on Oct 14, 2009 6:30 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs

Last year through 5 games the bruins had only won 2.

Join me on the Hockey Blog Adventure! (or Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Oct 14, 2009 7:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah...

what were they after 5 games? 2-1-2 was it?

Started the season with the four game road trip, went 2-1-1 and then lost in the shoot out to the Penguins opening night, game 5.

by 13_Legion on Oct 15, 2009 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions

Jeeezzzz

I never thought of it that way. :(
I dont want to see Looch go to the Habs.
You’re right. They HAVE To Win these away games.
Maybe they should sit Ferrence and play BOTH Rask and Thomas!!!!!!

by j3rockstar on Oct 15, 2009 8:43 AM EDT up reply actions