Marchand struggles, comeback falls short, and more: 3 reasons why Boston Bruins lost 4-5 in OT against New York Islanders

The Boston Bruins’ comeback attempt fell short against the New York Islanders on Sunday night at the TD Garden. Bo Horvat scored at 3:10 of the extra frame to give the Islanders the two points. The loss extended the Bruins’ losing streak to four games.

David Pastrnak scored twice for the Boston Bruins, with Cole Koepke and Justin Brazeau adding the other tallies for the Bruins. Meanwhile, Horvat scored a shorthanded goal to go with his overtime tally. Islanders’ captain Anders Lee had two goals himself with Ryan Pulock getting his second of the season.

So, here’s a look at the three key reasons why the Boston Bruins lost to the New York Islanders in overtime on Sunday night.

3 reasons why Boston Bruins lost to New York Islanders

#3 Power play let down

The game featured just one penalty, a delay of game by the Islanders for challenging Koepke’s goal. The unsuccessful challenge landed the Islanders with a penalty. However, the Bruins gave up a shorthanded goal to tie the game.

The goal was particularly bad as the play started with a turnover in the Islanders zone. Three Bruins players missed the puck, allowing JG Pageau to pick up the puck and head the other way with Horvat alongside.

The lone Bruin back attempted to play the pass. However, a beautiful feed from Pageau allowed Horvat to tap the puck into a wide-open cage past Joonas Korpisalo. The power play ended without the Bruins scoring, shifting the momentum the Islanders’ way.

#2 Comeback falls short

The Boston Bruins were mostly outplayed by the Isles throughout the night. That situation resulted in the Bruins trailing early in the third period after Lee’s second goal of the night made it 4-2.

Then, David Pastrnak singlehandedly carried the Bruins, scoring twice in the third to tie the game. Pastrnak tied the game with his 17th of the season at 12:44.

Unfortunately for the Bruins, they could not complete the comeback, eventually giving up the game-winner in overtime after having a tremendous scoring chance by Brad Marchand.

#1 Marchand atrocious at both ends of the ice

Brad Marchand had another tough game, failing to get on the scoresheet. Despite three shots on goal, including a tremendous opportunity in overtime, Marchand failed to get anything meaningful going for the Bruins.

Moreover, Marchand finished the night minus-4, showing his lack of hustle in the overtime goal. During the sequence, Marchand took a shot from the top of the circle, forcing Islanders’ netminder Ilya Sorokin to come out to cut down the angle.

Sorokin kicked the puck away, allowing the rebound to come to Horvat who flew up the ice. Marchand, who was at the end of his shift, did not attempt to keep pace with Horvat, allowing him to get a shot square on goal.

The Bruins will get a chance to regroup on Monday before hosting the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night.