One Big Takeaway After Bruins Pay Price For Miscues Vs. Maple Leafs

The Boston Bruins failed to extend their back-to-back victories and keep the winning momentum alive on the road, falling to the Toronto Maple Leafs, 4-0, on Tuesday night at Scotiabank Arena.

Boston’s trip to the loss column dropped the team to 6-7-1 on the season while Toronto — without star Auston Matthews — improved to 7-5-2.

Coupled with no offensive momentum, the Bruins didn’t do themselves any justice by coughing up two critical penalties in the second period, which resulted in a smooth and easy 2-0 cushion for the Maple Leafs. That deficit, while feasible at first glance, seemed miles beyond Boston’s reach as the Bruins struggled mightily to capitalize on their (four) power play opportunities, coming up empty on each one.

Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman kept the scoring gap at two scores entering the third period — Boston’s final opportunity at a comeback bid. However, the last shot at redemption in regulation ended up being a wasted chance to make a non-competitive contest competitive and Toronto identified that. Boston racked up its sixth power play opportunity with over 14 minutes remaining in the period… and fell flat again.

Swayman finished the night saving 22-of-25 shots on goal, logging a solid performance that ultimately went overshadowed. Three of four goals surrendered came from power play opportunities as the Maple Leafs skated away with a 42.9 power play percentage to Boston’s zero — in six chances.

Meanwhile, Toronto goaltender Anthony Stolarz was spotless in keeping the Bruins at bay from start to finish. Stolarz saved all of Boston’s 29 shots on goal, keeping head coach Jim Montgomery’s squad with more than enough to consider moving forward. Another three periods, another head-scratcher as the Bruins search for answers to alleviate its season-long trend of falling victim to penalties.

Boston also fell to 2-4-1 in road games and has been held scoreless for the third time in the last eight games. Toronto snapped its eight-game losing streak in regular-season matchups with the Black and Gold.

The Bruins will look to keep their latest rivalry defeat in the rearview mirror as the Black and Gold return home to host the Calgary Flames on Thursday night. Puck drop from TD Garden is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, and you can catch the live action, plus an hour of pregame coverage, live on NESN.