Pastrnak, Lindholm silenced, dreadful power play and more: 3 reasons why Boston Bruins lost 4-1 to Tampa Bay Lightning

The Boston Bruins lost a tough 4-1 game to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night at Amalie Arena. With the loss, the Bruins have now lost six straight, and continue to tumble in the standings. Meanwhile, the Lightning leapfrogged the Bruins for third place in the Atlantic Division.

Anthony Cirelli (SHG), Michael Eyssimont, Brandon Hagel and Brayden Point (PPG) scored for the Bolts. Meanwhile, Mason Lohrei replied for the Boston Bruins.

Here’s a closer look at three reasons why Boston lost to Tampa Bay on Thursday night.

3 reasons why Boston Bruins lost 4-1 to Tampa Bay Lightning

#3. Dreadful power play

The Boston Bruins went 0-of-2 on the power play against the Bolts. Considering the game was close up until the 18-minute mark of the third period, a power play goal could have made the difference between at least tying the game and losing the two points.

In particular, the power play was dreadful as the Bruins gave up the game’s first goal while playing with the man advantage. Anthony Cirelli scored after Victor Hedman got the gate midway through the second period.

Had Boston scored, the game’s complexion could have been much different. Instead, Tampa scored and never looked back.

#2. Comeback failed to materialize

With the game 2-0 for Tampa, Mason Lohrei got a crucial goal to make the game 2-1. However, the Boston Bruins’ push to tie the game didn’t get very far. Andrei Vasilevsky shut the door in the third, preserving the win for the Bolts.

While the Bruins outshot the Lightning 12-7 in the third, the Bruins could not get past the Lightning’s tight defensive setup down the stretch.

The Lightning got an empty-netter, and then, following a scrum that led to multiple penalties, the Lightning got another power play goal to make the game 4-1.

#3. Pastrnak, Lindholm silenced

The Lightning kept the Bruins’ top scorers quiet on Thursday night, with David Pastrnak and Elias Lindholm unable to get on the scoresheet.

Pastrnak managed five shots on goal but had nothing to show for it. Lindholm got four shots on goal but came away empty-handed. Their lack of offense has been a major factor in the Bruins' recent six-game skid.

Pavel Zacha got one shot on net, while captain Brad Marchand managed to get an assist, but that was all the Bruins’ top scorers could muster against the Lightning.

The Bruins will be back on the ice on Saturday night as they face top division rivals Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena.