Swayman chased, disastrous PK and more: 3 reasons why Boston Bruins lost 5-1 to New Jersey Devils

The Boston Bruins were on the wrong side of a 5-1 thumping at the hands of the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday night at Prudential Center. Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom left the game after colliding with Bruins’ Justin Brazeau during the second period. Jake Allen was summoned and turned away all 16 shots he faced.

Dawson Mercer scored twice for the Devils, with Dougie Hamilton (PPG), Stefan Noesen (PPG) and Nico Hischier (PPG) adding the other goals for New Jersey. Meanwhile, Morgan Geekie replied for the Boston Bruins.

Here’s a closer look at three reasons why Boston lost to New Jersey on Wednesday night.

3 reasons why Boston Bruins lost 5-1 to New Jersey Devils

#3. Offense continues to sputter for Bruins

The Boston Bruins were shut down on Wednesday night, managing just one goal on 23 shots in the game. The goal came courtesy of Morgan Geekie to open the scoring. However, that was all the offense the Bruins could get on the night.

David Pastrnak managed an assist, with Brad Marchand and Elias Lindholm going silent once again for Boston. The lack of scoring has now become a serious issue for Boston. The loss put the B’s in a three-way tie for fourth place in the Atlantic Division and out of a playoff spot at the moment.

#2. Disastrous penalty kill

The Bruins played a largely undisciplined game and paid the price for it. Boston gave the Devils seven power play opportunities, with the Devils promptly scoring three times with the man advantage.

Two of those power play markers came in the second-period meltdown the Bruins had. Boston entered the middle frame with a 1-0 lead. However, the wheels came off, with two power play goals enough to chase Jeremy Swayman.

The Bruins will need to focus on playing a more disciplined game as surrendering seven power play chances to a team like the Devils is asking for trouble.

#1. Jeremy Swayman chased

Bruins netminder Jeremy Swayman got the hook after two periods. He gave up four goals on 29 shots. He was replaced by Joonas Korpisalo who gave up one last power play goal.

While the blame can’t be solely pinned on Swayman, he wasn’t at his best. Dawson Mercer’s goal was a good example. The Bruins were beaten behind the net, with the puck coming out in front to Mercer who buried it past Swayman.

Here’s a look at the goal:

Three white shirts surrounded the net, but none were able to pick up Mercer. Swayman didn’t have much of a chance to make the save, showing just how poorly the Bruins’ defense played around him.

The Bruins will look to bounce back when they host the Ottawa Senators next at TD Garden on Thursday.