The Boston Bruins dropped a crucial game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, and defenseman Nikita Zadorov didn’t sugarcoat his thoughts after the final buzzer. The “Spoked B” let its fans down at home, and the race for the Stanley Cup Playoffs has only heated up.
“We were just flat,” Zadorov stated, per NHL.com. “Didn’t have emotions against Toronto Maple Leafs, that’s on us, that’s for sure. We’ve got to be better than that. It’s important points for us at home and to drop it like this, it’s embarrassing.”
Zadorov’s blunt confession should serve as a wake-up call for the Bruins. Playing in a historic NHL rivalry while in a heated playoff race, there’s no reason for them to come out flat. The Maple Leafs are looking far from their best version.
Toronto entered the game at TD Garden after suffering three straight losses and dragging a 2-6-2 record in its last 10 outings. Against the “Spoked B”, however, the Maple Leafs found their footing. The Bruins simply didn’t.
Nikita Zadorov of the Bruins
Bruins’ playoff chances
The improbable loss to the Buds caught Bruins fans by surprise. Moreover, the defeat at home hindered Boston’s playoff odds, as the playoff race in the Eastern Conference remains wide open. According to MoneyPuck, the Bruins now have a 64.3% chance to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
They are still favored to make the cut, but the lead over the chasing pack is narrowing. As if Boston needed any more obstacles along the way, it’s set to take on the toughest remaining schedule in the NHL, per Tankathon.
Only 3 of the Bruins’ last 11 games will be against non-current-playoff teams. If they want to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Bruins will have to take down playoff-caliber sides. It’s only fitting, but it means Boston must get back on track as soon as possible.
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