Morning Free Association: You Win Some, You Lose Some

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Last night’s game in Tampa had the feel of a playoff game with intensity of play and stepped up defense. Charlie McAvoy was back for his first game in forever.

The Bruins also provided an update about the status of second-year defenseman Brandon Carlo. Carlo, who missed his first playoffs opportunity with a concussion sustained in the 82nd game of last season, is out with a broken left fibula/ ankle and will need 3-4 months recovery.

Bruins issue update on Brandon Carlo: https://t.co/nN6hksJla3

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) April 3, 2018

First Period

The two teams seemed a little less chippy than they had in their last meet-up in Boston last week, but both teams seemed to be playing with their noses to the grindstone.

There was no score in this period but there were some good saves and spectacular plays like this one from St Patrice of Bergeron.

Save by Bergeron pic.twitter.com/ZXiRCiE8gu

— Marina Molnar (@mkmolnar) April 3, 2018

Late in the period, David Pastrnak was called for tripping, which he voiced his displeasure to the refs and slammed the door to he penalty bench. He was pissed off because he was tripped by Dan Girardi into another Tampa Bay player. The penalty would carry over into the next period where it would be killed off.

Second Period

This is where things fell apart a bit for the Bruins.

Tampa Bay would strike first five minutes into the period when Brayden Point wrested one from, er, basically the point.

Right on Point. 📍 #BOSvsTBL pic.twitter.com/MhAxbsO9uC

— x – Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) April 4, 2018

Then they struck again when Victor Hedman slaps it from the blue line,

Victor Hedman goal makes it 2-0 #Lightning #GoBolts #Bolts pic.twitter.com/5Tjsi3K3WO

— love, stephen (@dolewhipz) April 4, 2018

With just over five minutes left, Tampa Bay’s Chris Kunitz appeared to score a third goal. Bruce Cassidy challenged it on the basis of Goaltender Interference. After reviewing and conferring with Toronto, the ruling on the ice was upheld as a good goal. The Lightning led 3-0 at this point.

Kuni gets it done. 👊 #BOSvsTBL pic.twitter.com/kfz3nEQwwv

— x – Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) April 4, 2018

The Bruins ended the second on the power play which went into the third and produced no results.

Third Period

And Jake DeBrusk muffs a pass in the Bolts’ zone, creating a turnover that JT Miller swiftly takes down the rink with only Zdeno Chara defending him, making the score 4-0.

That would be it. Boston had chances but nothing real materialized. I think Matt Kalman summed up the Bruins issues and needs right now with three games to go with these two tweets.

The answer to @RealJackEdwards & @AndyBrickley question: rest is more important than seeding now; Cassidy has to determine which guys among Marchand, Pastrnak need rest & come up with a plan to sit them over the final 3 games.

— Matt Kalman (@MattKalman) April 4, 2018

Of course with the injuries & limits on call-ups, it'll be easier said than done to rest guys. But Cassidy can start by dressing 7 D. No reason for McQuaid to sit out at this point.

— Matt Kalman (@MattKalman) April 4, 2018

Even with players returning from injury, it’s own ti be hard to rest players who need it.

Next up: Florida on Thursday.