Beaten by the Bruins

The Bears played in Providence last night for the first time since 2006 and I am sure they don't want to go back anytime soon. The Bruins won the game 7-2 and were up 5-0 and 7-1 at times.

Michal Neuvirth played goal for the Bears last night and looked lost on many of the goals. He faced 36 shots but only stopped 29 of them. Not a very good game by any standards.

The defense did not help much last night though as multiple shots were unchallenged and Bruins were skating open in the offensive zone without anyone approaching them. The offense didn't help much either as they had numerous neutral zone turnovers that led to opportunities and goals.

The only bright spot in my opinion was the solid play from the rookie line. I thought they put pressure on the Bruins at even strength and were easily the best offensive line for the Bears last night. Francois Bouchard scored 2 goals (9th and 10th) for the Bears but alas it wasn't enough.


My Three Stars of the Game:

1. Brad Marchund - a goal and 2 primary assists
2. Tuukka Rask - 28 saves on 30 shots to earn the W
3. Francois Bouchard - 2 goals and led the team with 5 shots on goal

Grading the Performance:

• Offense - D - There was some consistent pressure in the offensive zone which is the only reason this isn't an F. 30 shots is solid but they need to score more. This is becoming a consistent problem without Giroux...not enough goals. Other players HAVE to step up. Facing hot goaltender after hot goaltender is tough but they have to over come soon.
• Defense - F - I didn't see any last night. Horrible job in Providence. It was like they didn't know who was on what team and just let whoever skate around in the zone.
• Goaltending - F - The defense didn't help but a goalie has to keep his team in the game with some big saves and Neuvirth didn't make any of those.
• Power Play - B - They only had 3 opportunities and I thought this was easily the brightest spot in the game. They sustained very good pressure and got many opportunities but couldn't get anything by Rask.
• Penalty Kill - B - Not terrible. They definitely played better defense when they were a man down but they did allow 2 goals on 9 chances.
• Overall - F - One of the worst performances this season. This was right up there with the Houston game and the Hamilton game. The Bears need to learn how to stay sharp and focused on the road against non divisional opponents.

LET'S GO BEARS!!!