Bruins vs. Blues Takeaways: 3 Things to Know From Second Straight Loss

Bruins vs. Blues Takeaways: 3 Things to Know From Second Straight Loss originally appeared on NESN.
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The Bruins ended a mini road trip with two straight losses. The Blues scored several power-play goals to beat Boston,  4-1.

The Bruins had multiple opportunities to score. However, like against the Hurricanes, St. Louis’ offense was more aggressive. The lone goal for the Bruins came from James Hagens.

Jeremy Swagman had 14 saves. Meanwhile, Blues’ goalie Joel Hofer was busy with 31 saves.

Here are three takeaways from Boston’s latest loss.

3 Takeaways From Bruins-Blues Game

Bruins picked up the intensity

When the Bruins faced the Hurricanes, they had 16 shots on goal. The team that scored 12 goals in two games before that disappeared.

Boston had 18 shots on goal by the end of the second period against the Blues. When the game ended? The team had 32 shot attempts. While the Bruins only scored one goal, it was a step in the right direction.

Bruins’ offense couldn’t produce when needed

Even with the first point, the Bruins were once again limited to one goal.  

Boston failed to score on the power play, and the Blues scored a goal right after killing Boston’s. Meanwhile, St. Louis scored after multiple power play opportunities.

The Bruins, who have lost two straight games, look to regroup against a Blackhawks team that has given up eight goals in their last three games.

James Hagens continues to grow

At 19, the sky is the limit for James Hagens. The rookie, from Boston College, is living up to high expectations.

Hagens scored an early goal from behind the legs to give the Bruins the early lead. It was his second goal in three games. Hagens has also added more points to his stat line.  

It may be early, but Hagens could be gearing up for an explosive few months of hockey.

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