On Tuesday night, the Boston Bruins were looking to win their third straight game for the first time all season. Standing in their way were the Vancouver Canucks. The game was a homecoming for former Bruins Jake DeBrusk and Danton Heinen and they came out on the winning side of things at TD Garden as the Canucks shut out the Bruins 2-0.
Vancouver was led by its star goalkeeper Kevin Lankinen who stopped all 32 shots from Boston, despite not having much support in the shooting department in his team who managed to collect 14 shots from Jeremy Swayman.
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Tuesday night's defeat marks the first loss since appointing Joe Sacco as their interim coach a few weeks ago. Boston had won its last two games before falling to Vancouver. The loss drops the Bruins to 10-10-3 on the season and the Canucks improve to 11-6-3.
First time
In the first half, neither team was able to crack the scoreboard even though Boston outshot Vancouver nine to three. While the Bruins had the higher number of shots, the Canucks had the higher quality of chances in the opening frame. Both teams played a clean period of hockey with no penalties called for either team.
Despite the average shots in favor of the host, Lankinen made it look easy for Vancouver to go from one side of the net to the other with ease, especially on the high chances from Charlie McAvoy and Mason Lohrei, to pair with Sacco. It is emphasized that it will be together going forward.
Second Time
The first five minutes of the second half were quiet as neither team wanted to score.
In the second half, following a questionable call on Brad Marchand, Boston was forced to go on the penalty kill, much to the dismay of the fans in attendance. The Bruins almost killed every penalty, but with less than five seconds left in the advantage, the Canucks scored, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead.
Immediately, Swayman contested the goal and it appeared that the puck was played with a high stick. The game was contested by Boston, but not by much. Instead, replays showed the puck hit Garland's glove and went straight to DeBrusk, who tapped it in on the backhand. Under most circumstances, this would be considered a hand pass, and this is what warranted the challenge.
Unfortunately, the challenge was unsuccessful and the Bruins went straight back to the penalty kill with a failed challenge and the Canucks leading 1-0.
Take one Jake. 🎬 pic.twitter.com/EFX1sgOk9k
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) November 27, 2024
Boston didn't let up, however, and put together 13 shots on goal in the middle of the period alone – leading Vancouver 22 to nine in shots on goal after two periods.
Third Time
In the third period, the Bruins came out firing on all cylinders and were ready to go. The Canucks, however, had other ideas as they struggled defensively and allowed just 10 shots on goal. Boston finished with three players who scored three goals in the game.
In the third period, there were two penalties, both of which went to Vancouver, but Boston could not take advantage of any opportunities, snapping a series of several games in which the Bruins hit the man-advantage.
The Way Forward
The Bruins look to get back to their winning ways on Wednesday when they take part in their second straight game of the month. Boston hits the road on Wednesday against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena. The Canucks continue their road trip on Wednesday again when they face the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena.
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