$90M Bruins star bluntly criticises Boston for lack-lustrous third period play against Senators

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Nov 10, 2024 15:30 GMT

Boston Bruins star David Pastrnak expressed his frustration following his team’s performance in the third period against the Ottawa Senators on Saturday. The Boston entered the third period tied at TD Garden but the Bruins couldn’t create any offensive momentum when it mattered the most. They failed to record a single shot on goal in the last period, allowing the Senators to win the game 3-2 just 21 seconds into overtime.

In the first season of his eight-year, $90 million contract, Pastrnak didn’t hide his frustration with Boston’s late-game struggles. Speaking to NESN after the tough loss, he shared his disappointment with the Bruins' performance in the final period.

“In the third period, it was right there — a tied hockey game,” Pastrnak said. “This is where we should drive and create offense and keep playing on our toes. I don’t know. We had nothing, pretty much, in the third. You’re just going up and down the ice instead of trying to hang onto the puck and put it deep and get it on the forecheck and stay strong and create some O-zone time.”

The loss brought Boston’s season record to 7-7-2 and they will need a more complete and determined effort to return to winning ways and take full advantage of Pastrnak’s offensive skills, especially with high expectations after his big contract.

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Boston Bruins coach seeks answers for team's third-period struggles after loss to Senators

The Boston lost 3-2 to the Ottawa Senators on Saturday after not getting a shot in the third period. This was the first time since December 2006 that the Bruins didn’t register a shot in the final frame, according to The Boston Globe. The Senators took advantage, with Brady Tkachuk scoring the game-winning goal just 21 seconds into overtime.

Boston head coach Jim Montgomery is still searching for the reasons behind the team’s struggles in third periods, particularly with scoring. The Bruins have only five third-period goals this season, with just one in their last 11 games. Montgomery knows a solution is needed but hasn’t found the cause yet.

“I don’t have (an) answer,” Montgomery said (via NESN). “Talk about it. Figure out why. We’ll look at what we’re doing sports science-wise. We’ll come up with answers. Right now I don’t have an answer for you.”

In goal, Boston goalie Jeremy Swayman faced a much tougher challenge than Linus Ullmark. Swayman made 31 saves on 34 shots, while Ullmark had 14 saves to secure the win. Pavel Zacha was a bright spot, scoring for the second game in a row. Now, Boston will look to bounce back on the road with a two-game trip starting Tuesday in St. Louis.