Marchand, Lindholm blanked, comeback fell short, and more: 3 reasons why Boston Bruins lost 6-4 to Toronto Maple Leafs

The Boston Bruins dropped a disappointing 6-4 decision against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday at Scotiabank Arena. The Bruins fought hard, scoring late in the third to pull within one, but fell short of tying the game.

David Pastrnak scored twice in the losing effort for the Boston Bruins. Trent Frederic and Morgan Geekie got the others. Meanwhile, Matthew Knies scored a hat trick for the Toronto Maple Leafs, with Mitch Marner registering five points and Auston Matthews three in his return to the lineup.

So, here’s a look at the three main reasons why the Boston Bruins lost to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night.

3 reasons why Boston Bruins lost to Toronto Maple Leafs

#3 Bruins power play disappointed

In a game in which both sides only registered two penalties, the Bruins failed to make the most of their limited opportunities.

The Boston Bruins had one chance with the man advantage in the first period with the game 1-0 for Toronto at that point. Had the Bruins capitalized on the chance, they could have tied the game. However, they didn’t and the Leafs headed into the dressing with the lead after 20 minutes.

While the Bruins eventually tired the game a two, the momentum, and perhaps the final score, could have swayed in their favor had the Bruins scored in the first period. In the second, both teams took penalties 20 seconds apart, essentially offsetting their power play chances.

#2 Comeback fell short

The Bruins found themselves down 4-3 heading into the final five minutes of the game. The Leafs got an empty-netter from Mitch Marner to make the game 5-3. But when it seemed like Toronto had iced the game, David Pastrnak scored with a little over two minutes to go.

However, the comeback effort ultimately fell short as Auston Matthews beat Pastrnak on a foot race for a loose puck, adding a second empty-netter to ice the game for Toronto.

#1 Marchand, Lindholm blanked

Captain Brad Marchand and top-six center Elias Lindholm were blanked on Saturday night. Lindholm and Marchand ended the game at minus-3, with Lindholm registering just one shot on goal. Meanwhile, Marchand had four but was unable to score.

Given David Pastrnak’s two-goal effort, the Bruins could have pulled out the victory had the top six picked up the slack. Instead, the depth scoring proved crucial but insufficient to defeat a stronger Toronto team.

The Bruins will have a short break on Saturday night before taking on the struggling New York Islanders on Sunday evening at the TD Garden.