Bruins vs. Stars Takeaways: 3 Things to Know From OT Loss originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Bruins were on a hot streak heading into a matchup against the Stars. However, their road trip ended with Dallas beating Boston in overtime.
The Bruins had four opportunities to score via the power play. However, the Stars used the power play to win. It came in overtime after a late tie. Mikko Rantanen earned a hat trick with the game-ending goal.
Despite the loss, Jeremy Swayman looked sharp with 22 saves.
Here are three takeaways from Boston's overtime loss.
3 Takeaways From Bruins-Stars Game
Bruins couldn’t take advantage of power play
The Bruins had multiple attempts to win, but the Stars shut down four scoring opportunities via the power play.
Dallas ranks fourth in killing the power play. Boston found that out the hard way. Mikko Rantanen only scored off the power play, his third goal of the game, to win it.
The Bruins had a similar issue against the Senators early in the season. It remains something the team will need to work on.
Young skaters continue to produce for Bruins
Matthew Poitras and James Hagens were key in giving the Bruins a chance.
Poitras skated down the ice early on and scored without any assistance, earning his fourth goal of the year.
Meanwhile, Casey Mittelstadt connected with Hagens to give the Bruins a 2-1 lead. It was the rookie’s third of the year.
If both continue producing, Boston’s youth movement will be the key to their success.
Jeremy Swayman looked sharp in regulation
Despite giving up three Mikko Rantanen goals, Jeremy Swayman was reliable against a tough Stars team.
Before the loss, Swayman gave up six goals in four games. He was close to a rock during the Bruins’ win streak. Swayman showed signs of brilliance against Dallas with 22 saves.
Wyatt Johnston had multiple scoring chances, but Swayman didn’t budge. Even while fixing his helmet early in the game, Swayman wouldn’t let the puck through his legs. The Bruins couldn’t score on the power play. Even worse, they couldn’t take advantage of Swayman’s solid performance.