Bruins Slow Start Penalty Kill Doom 6-2 Loss Hockey Writers Boston Latest News Analysis

Florida Panthers dominate Bruins with 8 goals, Bruins struggle to generate offense, need to improve effort to avoid series deficit.

The Florida Panthers secured another impressive victory, scoring a touchdown and putting up four goals against Jeremy Swayman for the second consecutive game. Swayman, who had not allowed more than two goals in a start during the first round and the initial game of this series, has now conceded eight goals, including two with the goalie pulled.

Once again, the Bruins struggled in front of their netminder, failing to match the Panthers' offensive intensity and starting the game slowly. This performance mirrored Games 5 and 6 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, where the Bruins were outplayed and outpaced. Despite generating pressure and sustaining momentum in the offensive zone, the Bruins failed to capitalize on their opportunities and were plagued by penalties.

Captain Brad Marchand's early departure due to an upper-body injury further hampered the Bruins' offensive efforts, as they struggled to test Panthers' goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. The Panthers capitalized on power play opportunities, scoring four goals with the man advantage in Game 3. Despite a late surge in the third period, the Bruins were unable to overcome the deficit, ultimately falling short in a 5-2 loss.

While the Bruins showed signs of life in the final frame, with goals from Jakub Lauko and Jake DeBrusk, they must address their slow starts and defensive lapses to bounce back in Game 4. With the series now at 2-1 in favor of the Panthers, the Bruins face a pivotal matchup that will test their resilience and determination. Swayman remains optimistic about the team's ability to rebound, emphasizing the importance of building off their late-game momentum.

To avoid falling into a 3-1 hole, the Bruins must elevate their performance and execute a more cohesive game plan. With adjustments and a renewed sense of urgency, they have the opportunity to even the series and regain momentum heading into the next game. The upcoming matchup presents a significant challenge for the Bruins, but it also serves as a chance for redemption and a statement of their ability to overcome adversity.

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