The Boston Bruins came close to securing a significant victory against the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night, leading to an eventual 2-1 defeat in overtime. Despite their strong performance, the Bruins have faced challenges in recent weeks, particularly in the area of faceoffs.
Their faceoff win percentage has been below par, ranking 25th out of 32 teams in the last seven games and 17th since the All-Star break. This is a stark contrast to previous seasons where the Bruins consistently ranked among the top teams in faceoff win percentage, largely due to the absence of Patrice Bergeron, a renowned faceoff specialist.
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While Pavel Zacha and Charlie Coyle have maintained respectable faceoff percentages, the rest of the team has struggled in this aspect. Defensive-zone faceoffs, in particular, have posed challenges late in games, leading to opponents capitalizing on scoring opportunities.
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Considering their recent struggles, acquiring a forward with strong faceoff skills before the NHL trade deadline is crucial for the Bruins. Elias Lindholm of the Vancouver Canucks is one potential target, known for his elite faceoff ability and two-way skill set. Adding a player like Lindholm would not only bolster the Bruins’ offensive capabilities but also provide support in special teams situations and improve their performance in crucial faceoff situations.
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Although faceoffs are not the sole reason for the Bruins’ late-game difficulties, addressing this area of concern could significantly benefit the team and improve their overall performance in the remainder of the season.
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