Edmonton Oilers left wing Zach Hyman (18) celebrates with teammates after his goal against Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark (35) during the third period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Bruins
coach sees overtime loss as opportunity to grow for playoffs
The Bruins again struggled to close out a game in the third period and fell 2-1 to Edmonton in overtime, their 15th OT loss of the season.
BOSTON — It’s been a troubling trend for the Boston Bruins this season – giving up a lead in the third period – but Coach Jim Montgomery wants his team to use the loss as a learning experience, especially with the playoffs fast approaching.
The Bruins, once again, struggled to close out a game in the third period as they fell 2-1 to the Edmonton Oilers in overtime Tuesday night at TD Garden, their 15th OT loss of the season. The Oilers pulled their goalie in the final minutes, Danton Heinen hit the post on what would have been the game-winning empty-net goal, and Edmonton capitalized with the extra skater with 1:20 left in regulation.
“We’ve got to find a way to close out game. It’s a great opportunity for us to realize we can’t take anything for granted,” Montgomery said after the game. “Because in a couple of months it doesn’t matter how tired you are at the end of the game. We’ve got to find a way to push through. We didn’t find a way.”
The Bruins were playing their second of a back-to-back after winning in Toronto on Monday . Getting in late from travel and having a quick turnaround will certainly take a toll on the players, but Montgomery noted Tuesday’s loss was due to “mental fatigue” and not physical fatigue. And he’s not using fatigue as an excuse because, come playoffs time, “everybody’s on an equal playing field.”
“You’re playing the same team that has the same many days off (for) rest. That’s where you got to dig in and find a way,” Montgomery said. “So for me, it’s an opportunity to start growing for the playoffs – the mindset and the physical execution you need.”
Despite another overtime loss, Montgomery liked the overall game from the Bruins, save for overtime. While he acknowledged Boston did a good job on its chances Tuesday night, he knows his team “didn’t have the jump” it did Monday against Toronto.
