The Boston Bruins blew multiple leads in a disappointing 6-5 shootout loss to the Ottawa Senators on Saturday night. Star winger David Pastrnak didn't mince words when giving his honest assessment of the team's performance.
Pastrnak, who contributed a goal and two assists in the losing effort, pinpointed the Bruins' inability to protect their own net as a major issue.
"We have to protect our house; we're relying on the goalie too much," Pastrnak said.
"There are games where they have 40 shots, but they're not very high-end chances. But like I said, the last couple of games it's too many shots from inside the house. Protect the slot and block more shots. Honestly, we didn't deserve to win. We were up two goals."
The Bruins led 5-3 in the third period but allowed the Senators to storm back and tie the game through goals from Nick Jensen and Josh Norris with the extra attacker. That forced overtime and eventually the shootout, where Boston fell 6-5.
Pastrnak knows that the solution starts with smarter offensive zone play.
"We have to play with the puck and hold on to the puck in the O-zone, instead of forcing plays there against certain teams," he said. "It's better to possess the puck and wait for the opening. I think it starts there."
Beyond Pastrnak's scoring, the Bruins got goals from Pavel Zacha, John Beecher, Vinni Lettieri and Morgan Geekie, while Jeremy Swayman had 39 saves in the loss. At 22-19-6 on the season, Boston has now lost seven of its last nine games.
Adam Gaudette, Tim Stutle, Josh Norris (two goals) also scored for Ottawa, while Leevi Merilainen stopped 23 shots for the Senators.
Boston Bruins HC Joe Sacco reflects on Bruins SO loss to Senators
Boston Bruins coach Joe Sacco expressed disappointment after the Bruins' shootout loss to the Senators on Saturday.
"We didn't execute well enough under their pressure when they had 6-on-5," Joe Sacco said. "We just have to be better defending that lead when it's 6-on-5. I don't know, really, what else to say.We can't give up slot chances like that."
Sacco also pointed out that goalie Jeremy Swayman once again gave the Boston Bruins a chance to win. Looking ahead, he stressed the importance of cutting down scoring opportunities to the opposition to help out Swayman.
Next, the Boston Bruins face the San Jose Sharks on Sunday at TD Garden.