Recap: Bruins leave another point on the board, fall to Detroit in overtime

The Bruins limped across the finish line of their four-game road trip, dropping a 3-2 overtime decision tonight to the Red Wings in Detroit.

The B’s had leads of 1-0 and 2-1 at various points in the second and third periods respectively, but Andreas Athanasiou’s second goal of the night ended it on the second shift of overtime.

All highlights come from Chris. If you don’t see the Streamable embed because you’re on mobile, click the score link at the end of each section.

Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson got the Bruins on the board with some hustle and luck in the second period. The scorers originally gave assists to Connor Clifton (first NHL point) and Jake DeBrusk, but took them away later on. Seems like they decided it was put in by a Detroit player, making it an unassisted goal for JFK. 1-0 Bruins.

Tyler Bertuzzi tied it up for Detroit with a wild tip, redirecting a shot that was going about 5 feet wide. 1-1 tie.

Chris Wagner breaks his scoreless drought in the third period after a great effort by Sean Kuraly. 2-1 Bruins.

Andreas Athanasiou ties it a couple minutes after Wagner’s goal, beating Jake DeBrusk to a loose puck after Tuukka Rask made the initial save. 2-2 tie.

It ends up being Andreas Athanasi-two, as AA puts a turnaround shot top corner to end it in overtime. 3-2, Detroit wins.

Quick thoughts on tonight’s loss

• “Not quite good enough” efforts ended up dooming the Bruins on two key plays tonight. On Athanasiou’s first goal, DeBrusk didn’t do enough to tie up Athanasiou’s stick, giving him a free whack at the puck. DeBrusk isn’t going to skate with the speedy AA, but he can try to tie up his stick. It happens.
• The second “not quite good enough” effort came on the game-winning goal, as Athanasiou managed to win a 2-on-1 battle with Brad Marchand and Torey Krug. Krug took the body as best as he could, but Marchand waved at the puck with his stick. It, uh...didn’t work. Athanasiou deserves credit for sticking with the play, but that can’t happen in overtime.
• Luck comes into play as well, as JFK actually won the faceoff, but the puck went off the linesman’s leg and over toward the Bruin net. Tough break.
• Tuukka Rask was excellent tonight. Do not let the angry Rask people tell you otherwise. He stoned Dylan Larkin on more than one occasion, and had a giant stop on a Justin Abdelkader one-timer late in the third. Many will deride them as “positional saves” because something has to be wrong when Rask plays, but he looked sharp.
• The top-six group looks like a complete mess. It’s not their fault — pretty much every guy up there is playing with at least one brand new linemate. The chemistry isn’t there. Marchand will make a pass he expects David Pastrnak will catch up to, only to find that DeBrusk, for example, isn’t in the same spot. It’ll take time, but it’s been ugly so far.
• Connor Clifton has been a pleasant surprise. He’s had his share of rookie mishaps, but overall, he’s been remarkably solid. While he may be the next man down when Charlie McAvoy is ready, he’s certainly opened eyes with his play.
• It was a good first game back for Kevan Miller. Nothing spectacular, but a couple of good skating plays and good plays along the boards. Imagine hearing two or three years ago that having Kevan Miller return to the lineup was a blessing from above? Times change, man.

The Bruins are back at it Friday night against Pittsburgh. Enjoy the holiday tomorrow, Americans!

Canadians...happy Thursday.