Jessica Belmosto

The Boston Bruins have found themselves in a bit of trouble in their last four games. Losing two in regulation and two in a shootout, leaves a bitter taste in many fans’ mouths.

The biggest problem is playing a full sixty minutes of hockey. This has been a problem since game one of the season. It’s typically the second period where the Bruins throw on invisibility cloaks. It’s not always like clockwork though.

The Bruins scored four goals in the second period on Tuesday, against the Florida Panthers. The clouds were finally clearing on the Bruins losing streak. It seemed like there was an end in sight to the slump. That was not the case. Florida churned out four goals in the third and went on to win in a shootout.

Anyone with a brain can see why that is a problem for the Bruins.

We can nitpick each player and give them a grade but what’s the point? They’re not going to stay back because I, a no name blogger, gave them a grade. It comes down to coaching and their own willingness to win.

You win and lose as a team but you can’t win unless everyone is on the same page. There seems to be a serious disconnect between the defense.

Connor Clifton is not playing the way one would expect him. His only contribution has been a big hit or two. You need more out of a defensemen. There were rumors of him not taking being up with the big club seriously, so I’m not entirely sure if those issues have resurfaced or if he’s just not ready for the big leagues.

Charlie McAvoy and Captain Zdeno Chara, were once an untouchable pair. With Chara’s age slowing him down, and McAvoy not being up to par with expectations, it could be becoming a problem. Head Coach Bruce Cassidy did shift the pairings around and had McAvoy down with former BU teammate, Matt Grzelcyk. That experiment didn’t last long.

Tuukka Rask will always be a topic of conversation. He has let in plenty of of soft goals and hasn’t been the playoff Tuukka Rask that we fell in love with. Tuukka went from one of the best goalies in the league to a goalie with a .926 save percentage.

Right now, the forwards are plagued with AHLers and players playing out of position. Charlie Coyle should be back at centering the third line. That line had such great chemistry it’s a shame that Cassidy broke it up.

Slumps are bound to happen and it’s better now than while vying for a playoff spot. The Bruins are set to face the Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday and the Washington Capitals the following evening.