BOSTON, MA — The Boston Bruins lost a point last night, dropping seven of their last eight games. This time, the unamusing shootout loss came to the New York Islanders.
It was Anders Bjork who got things going early on in the first period as he scored his fifth goal of the season that was assisted by Charlie Coyle. Coyle added his 11th assist, snapping a seven-game scoreless stretch since his game-winning goal against Carolina back in early December.
Bjork’s goal summed up the entire offense for either team in period one as there were just seven shots on goal. The young gun Bjork seems to have been getting his confidence back as coach Bruce Cassidy sent him onto the ice in key situations early on. “It’s something I’ve been working towards, chipping away at it… it’s good for my confidence,” Bjork said when talking postgame about the trust he’s gained from Cassidy.
Bruins Anders Bjork is really coming into his own, gaining confidence from teammates and coaches.
We caught up with Anders postgame where he said he “isn’t satisfied” with his play so far and is working hard to improve. pic.twitter.com/C4IYLeLRsp
— Wicked Take (@WickedTake) December 20, 2019
Anders Bjork has come into his own this season, improving drastically. In what seemed to be a battle of Brett Richie vs. Bjork for a place in the third line, Bjork has surpassed expectations.
Just a few minutes into the second period, the physicality slowed for the Bruins as the Islanders tied the game thanks to familiar foe Johnny Boychuk and his second goal of the season. Boychuk was traded for Brandon Carlo and Ryan Lindgren back in 2014.
Things looked bleak for the Bruins in the second period as seven shots lead to no goals. Islanders Goalie Semyon Varlamov stole a goal from Anders Bjork in an incredible save that has to be one of the most impressive NHL regular-season goals thus far. “It was a great save. Just have to learn from it and maybe keep it low next time,” said Bjork.
How in the world? ?
Semyon Varlamov just robbed Anders Bjork of what would have been his second goal of the night ?pic.twitter.com/b1iAbmnwHD
— Jordan Moore (@iJordanMoore) December 20, 2019
Matthew Barzal put the Islanders in the lead late in the second period as the quick and nifty assist from Johnny Boychuck was just too much for Tuukka Rask. Postgame, Boychuk was all smiles, saying “it was awesome to score on Tuukka.” Boychuck came into tonight’s game with a 20 game scoreless stretch since Nov. 1st so it’s fitting that he has a goal and an assist against his former Bruins team.
Johnny Boychuk smiles and says it was awesome to score a goal on his former teammate Tuukka Rask. Boychuk came into tonight’s game on a 20 game scoreless streak so it’s fitting that he had a goal and an assist tonight. pic.twitter.com/IriKtEqa8y
— Jordan Moore (@iJordanMoore) December 20, 2019
A five on three power-play midway through the third period would lead to the almost inevitable one-timer goal from Torey Krug. The snipe assisted by David Pastrnak and David Krejci tied the game and gave some life to the Garden faithful.
Beautiful one timer from Krug on the 5-3 PPG! #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/9MkVaX8cpo
— Jordan Moore (@iJordanMoore) December 20, 2019
Nothing happening in the rest of the third, Bruins fans would see yet another overtime. After not being too kind to Boston this season, the game would remain tied after the overtime period. A virtual 2019 Boston Bruins death sentence would come next. A shootout.
In the shootout, Jordan Eberle and the Islanders would score on Tuukka Rask first. After a Charlie Coyle miss, Matthew Barzal added his second goal of the night. Having to score in order to extend the shootout, Pastrnak netted a goal past Varlamov. The shootout continued as Rask made a great save to stop Josh Bailey but Brad Marchand missed the next shot, attempting to get it through the five-hole of Varlamov.
Postgame, Rask said “I’m glad I didn’t pay for a ticket. That was horrible.” A snarky response made by the Bruins goalie who hasn’t been playing well as of late.
Tuukka Rask postgame:
“I’m glad I didn’t pay for a ticket. That was horrible.” pic.twitter.com/lCLoSauMCj
— Jordan Moore (@iJordanMoore) December 20, 2019
The Islanders won in the shootout as the Bruins drop yet another OT/SO point to an eastern conference foe. Boston is now 21-7-8 on the year, dropping seven of their last eight games. The Bruins will look to turn it around on Saturday against the Predators.
2019 Boston Bruins OT/SO losses will be the death of me. pic.twitter.com/ObwgvZ4cvb
— Jordan Moore (@iJordanMoore) December 20, 2019
