3 least impressive Boston Bruins in 2-1 loss to New York Rangers feat. Charlie McAvoy

The Boston Bruins couldn't get the job done against the struggling New York Rangers on Thursday night, falling 2-1 at Madison Square Garden.

It was the Bruins' third loss in four games as they fell to 20-16-4, while the Rangers snapped a four-game winless skid to improve to 17-19-1. It was also New York's first win on home ice since Dec. 6.

The Rangers opened the scoring in the first period after they took advantage of a series of Bruins defensive miscues. Mika Zibanejad scored at the side of the net for his seventh goal of the season and first in eight games.

Just under three minutes later, the Rangers made it 2-0 through Brett Berard's third goal of the season.

The Boston Bruins cut into the lead in the second period, thanks to Elias Lindholm's seventh goal of the season, but they didn't get any closer.

Boston failed to break through in the third period, with goaltender Jeremy Swayman on the bench for an extra attacker. Swayman finished with 25 saves in a losing effort, while Jonathan Quick made 32 saves for his 399th career victory.

So, which three performances by Boston Bruins players were the least impressive at Madison Square Garden against the Rangers?

---

Three least impressive Boston Bruins in 2-1 loss to New York Rangers

#1 Charlie McAvoy

The defensive miscue in the first period where Charlie McAvoy collided with teammate Nikita Zadorov opened the door for the opening goal from Zibanejad.

#2 Mason Lohrei

Speaking of turnovers, a giveaway from Lohrei just inside the Rangers blue line led directly to Berard's goal, make it 2-0 for New York.

#3 Pavel Zacha

Another Boston Bruins player who failed to find the scoresheet was Pavel Zacha, who not only managed a shot but also finished with a -2 rating.

Boston's inability to string together any meaningful offensive chances against the Rangers was called out by interim coach Joe Sacco.

“We have to be more direct,” said Sacco. “Sometimes we have a tendency to overpass and look for the better play, and that’s something we’re going to talk about further. But, for the most part, unfortunately, we’re just not putting the puck in the back of the net.”

The Bruins will get back at it on Thursday against the Toronto Maple Leafs.