Bruins Wrap: Penalties Remain Problem As Boston’s Skid Continues

BOSTON — The Bruins returned from a three-game road trip with a 5-2 loss to the Dallas Stars on Thursday night at TD Garden.

With the loss, Boston falls to 3-4-1 while Dallas improves to 6-2-0.

Check out the full box score here.

ONE BIG TAKEAWAY
Boston extended its losing streak to three games with the same issue that plagued the team on Tuesday night in Nashville; an abundance of penalties.

The Bruins and Stars were even at 1-1 and 12 shots apiece through the first 20 minutes of Thursday’s game. The second period told a very different story as self-inflicted wounds for Boston held the door open for Dallas to take control.

The Stars converted on three consecutive power-play chances to open the middle period on goals from Jason Robertson, Logan Stankoven and Tyler Seguin. This slide came just 48 hours after Boston committed six minor penalties in a 4-0 shutout loss to the Panthers at Bridgestone Arena.

Jeremy Swayman got paid like an elite goaltender just before the season started. The penalties in front of him have not helped as he allowed at least four goals for the third time this season.

The Bruins netminder surely can find his rhythm again when Boston finds the much-needed discipline on the ice and out of the box.

STARS OF THE GAME
— David Pastrnak rocketed a one-timer from Matt Poitras to put the Bruins on the board with his fifth goal of the season.

— Justin Brazeau scored for the first time this season, doing so on the power play.

— Matt Duchene tallied three points for Dallas, including his fourth goal of the season.

UP NEXT
The Bruins return to action on Saturday night in the season’s first rematch of the previous first-round playoff series against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. ET at TD Garden. You can catch the game, plus an hour of pregame coverage, on NESN.