3 major takeaways from Boston Bruins' 4-3 loss to shorthanded Florida Panthers

By Mike Whitaker

Modified Oct 15, 2024 01:44 GMT

For the second time in a week, the Boston Bruins were defeated by their division rival Florida Panthers. After falling by a 6-4 final in Sunrise to begin the 2024-25 season on Tuesday, the Bruins were bested 3-4 by the Panthers at TD Garden in Boston on Monday.

With the setback, the Bruins dropped to 2-2, while the Panthers improved to the same mark.

Boston found the scoresheet first thanks to John Beecher's first goal of the season; he deflected Mark Kastelic's shot past goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky.

However, the Bruins found themselves trailing by the end of the first period after goals from Anton Lundell and Sam Reinhart.

Brandon Carlo knotted the score at 2-2 with his first goal of the year, firing a shot past Bobrovsky from the top of the left faceoff circle.

Unfortunately for the Bruins, the Panthers gained the advantage thanks to the second tally each from Reinhart and Lundell.

Mason Lohrei capitalized soon afterward, beating Bobrovsky with a blocker side shot to cut the deficit to one goal.

The Bruins were unable to put pressure on Bobrovsky any further, as the Panthers held on for the 4-3 win.

Jeremy Swayman finished with 22 saves on the 26 shots he faced, while Bobrovsky stopped 24 of 27 Bruins shots.

#1. The Bruins let their emotions get the best of them

Boston coach Jim Montgomery called out the Bruins for their undisciplined play that led to multiple trips to the penalty box.

"That’s great, but penalties after, that’s not disciplined," he said. "In all four games we’ve taken at least four minors. We can’t win hockey games that way. And we can’t lose as many battles as we do. They are the standard in the NHL right now for winning battles. We’re not up to that level yet. We have to vastly improve that level.”

The Bruins took five penalties, one of which Florida converted.

#2. Boston's 4th line continued producing

Despite the loss, one positive that the Bruins can take from Monday afternoon is the production from their fourth line of Kastelic, Beecher, and Cole Koepke. Kastelic's assist on Beecher's goal was his first of three on the afternoon, improving his point total on the season to five.

#3. Attention to detail was lacking

While Montgomery called out Boston's lack of discipline, Marchand focused more on the details that needed to be cleaned up on the ice.

“We need to win more battles," he said. "That’s definitely something they had the edge in tonight. If we do that I’m pretty sure our game will be back to where we want it.”

The Bruins continue their schedule by taking on the Avalanche at Ball Arena on Wednesday.