Boston Bruins After 20 Games: Will The Slow Starts Stop?

The issue with the Boston Bruins have been slow starts.  In November, the Bruins have allowed the first goal in eight of their 12 games.  

In two starts, Boston trailed 3-0 before getting their first goal.  

Although they were down one after two frames, they played well tonight against the Florida Panthers scoring all three of their goals in the third period.

The problem with B's is simple: they are not playing hard throughout the whole game.  

In most games, they have shown great efforts in the second and third periods.  

True, they have played three back to back games this month and that they had to travel in between these games.  

That doesn't mean other teams are not playing similar schedules as well.

David Krejci is back on the ice, and I am beginning to wonder two things:  Was the concussion not that serious, or did they put him back on the ice too early?  

Although this was just his second game back, he did earn two assists on Mark Recchi's goals.   If it is the latter, Krejci could be more of a hindrance, than a helping hand, at this point.  Time will tell.

Brad Marchand has been an unbelievable pick up.  He's a great play maker on the defensive end and he can agitate.  

Not in the same way like Sean Avery but just enough to get into opponents' heads.  His biggest assets are his speed and active stick.  

He has scored two of the three shorthanded goals for the Bruins this year, and has had multiple chances to score.  His style of play forces the opposition to stay honest on the blue line.

I don't see a problem with the goalies at this time.  Both Tim Thomas and Tuukka Rask have played very well, having been ranked sixth and 54th respectively.  If they can get their team work together, from the blue line out, Rask's ranking will improve.

Milan Lucic has been tearing it up as of late, with 10 goals and seven assists.  

Nathan Horton, a new arrival from the Florida Panthers, has eight goals and 10 assists.

To date, every Bruin in the roster has recorded a point.

As of late, it doesn't seem to be enough. Under Claude Julien's defensive system, allowing six goals, in two games, shouldn't be imaginable.  He has the tools to make it work, and it's worked through October.

As the Washington Capitals have proven: If you allow more goals than you make, even though you consistently amongst the highest in the league, the Cup will not be hoisted by your captain.  No D, no Cup.

The problems have only popped up recently, and the Boston Faithful are hoping that this is just a glitch.

The slow starts have not completely failed the Bruins, but how long can they keep it up? After tonight's win, is it a start of a possible win streak?

Congratulations to Recchi for getting is 1500th NHL career point tonight, after scoring the final goal against the Panthers.

Boo to the officiating for not allowing the team to come out on the ice to congratulate him as tradition dictates.

This is Cory Ducey saying "Hit Hard, But Keep It Clean"