The Bruins had a chance to end 2024 on a high note. Instead, they were left asking the same questions on New Year’s Eve.
Boston suffered a 3-1 loss to the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena. It was a disappointing result after a shutout win over the Columbus Blue Jackets at TD Garden on Saturday, but the same problems plagued the B’s.
Joe Sacco’s side got off to a fast start with a Justin Brazeau goal in the first two minutes of the matchup, but the aggression wasn’t there from the Black and Gold. The final two periods were the most troubling as there was a stretch where Boston only registered two shots on goal in 17 minutes.
Credit should go to Washington, which got back into form since Alex Ovechkin’s return from injured reserve. The Capitals’ 28 blocked shots also were huge in giving the B’s fits. However, Boston’s powerplay problems (0-for-2) were a key issue in the first three months of the season and continued Tuesday.
The Bruins showed life and brought a shot mentality in the final four minutes of the matchup. However, Logan Thompson held on and showed the B’s they needed to put forth a complete game effort to beat one of the top teams in the NHL.
It’s not all bad as Boston still has three wins in its last five games and does have an upcoming matchup against the spiraling New York Rangers. But the Bruins will need to be prepared for the start of 2025 with multiple key matchups against Atlantic Division rivals on the horizon.
