Morale is running low in Beantown, as the Boston Bruins drag a huge burden, in the shape of a six-game losing skid. Following the heart-shattering 7-2 loss against the Los Angeles Kings, David Pastrnak, Joe Sacco, and the Bruins can sense the pressure, almost smothering them, as the Stanley Cup Playoffs seem to wave them goodbye in the 2024-25 NHL season.
The Spoked B looks unrecognizable. The crest that once commanded respect is now being battered night in and night out, as the Bruins continue to deliver embarrassing performances both at home and on the road.
Boston is six points behind the second wild card team in the Eastern Conference, the Montreal Canadiens. However, Montreal has three games in hand, meaning the Habs could extend their lead to 12 points while the Bruins have only 20 points left up for grabs.
All in all, it’s looking very gloom for Pastrnak and the Bruins, especially if they cannot find a way out from their grueling winless streak. After the defeat at Crypto.com Arena, Boston forward Casey Mittelstadt dropped a blunt four-word confession after being asked how the team could found its footing again.
Casey Mittelstadt #11 of the Boston Bruins looks for a pass against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period at the Amalie Arena on March 8, 2025 in Tampa, Florida.
“I wish I knew,” Bruins center Casey Mittelstadt said, per NHL.com. “I think it comes down to just coming out and playing hard. Obviously, you get in a slump like this and maybe you’re gripping your stick a little more than normal. It comes down to just coming out and playing your game, playing with some poise and some calm.”
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Easier said than done
Of course, Mittelstadt’s message to the team was textbook, motivational speech 101. However, putting those words to action, and them reflecting in the scoreboard and on the ice, that’s a whole other story.
The Bruins will take on the Anaheim Ducks on March 26, in a pivotal, do-or-die type of matchup. Every game from now onwards will esentially be playoff-hockey for Boston. There is no margin of error, and even if the Bruins manage to right the ship, they dug themselves an enormous hole, and they don’t control their own destiny.
Boston Bruins player David Pastrnak, from Czech Republic, at a game against the Calgary Flames in Calgary, Alta. on Fri., Feb.21, 2020.
Several pieces must fall into place for the Bruins to secure a postseason spot, but crazier things have happened. With their season hanging by a thread, it’s time for Pastrnak and the Bruins to play with urgency.
