This Islanders game had the makings on a disaster early in the first as the Isles scored two
goals in quick succession on lapses defensively from the Bruins, but they turned the whole
game around in the second period getting back to the game plan that will lead them to
wins. 3 goals in the second period Elias Lindholm, Pasta and Eyssimont got the Bruins
ahead, and thanks to the best performance of the year so far from Korpisalo, they built on
the lead (something they haven’t done this season) to run away with this game in the 3rd. No Lohrei in this one, he was replaced by AHL vet Jonathan Aspirot, who was solid as a
replacement. The pairing of McAvoy and Zadorov reminds me of the early years of
McAvoy’s career playing alongside a different Big Z, Zdeno Chara. I think that is a pairing
that should stick, I think it allows McAvoy to roam the ice more freely and gives the Bruins
an identity pairing.

If you are confused by my reference to a “formula” for the Bruins to win games this year, let
me explain. Good teams with deep rosters can often win many ways. They can win high
scoring games, low scoring games, physical games, high speed games, etc. because they
have enough talent in their lineups to adapt and adjust. The Bruins don’t have that this
season, so their identity needs to be a strong defensive team, consistent/great goaltending,
timely goals and to win the special teams battle. If you look back at the Bruins’ wins this
season you’ll notice a trend that follows this formula, the hard part is, they have not won a game in any other way. They need to find the strategy, and the players that can consistently
follow this gameplan, otherwise the losses will pile up again like they had prior to the
Avalanche game.

The Bruins are back at the TD Garden tonight taking on the Buffalo Sabres, a team that is
starting to find its footing after a disorganized, and inconsistent start to the season.