The Boston Bruins came out flying against the Toronto Maple Leafs, as they had a 3-0 lead at the halfway point of the second period. However, like many other times this season, the Original Six club did not leave the game they had control of with two points.
The Bruins allowed three unanswered goals to the Maple Leafs that threw away their first comfortable lead. David Pastrnak gave the Bruins a 4-3 lead at the 10:33 mark of the third period, but then Pontus Holmberg tied the game during the final minute. From there, Mitch Marner scored the overtime winner, completing Boston's latest epic collapse.
While the Bruins got a point, there's no question that this loss stings. The Bruins need as many wins as possible right now if they hope to secure a playoff spot in the tight Eastern Conference, but they just aren't coming. They have now been defeated in four straight games.
This loss to the Maple Leafs only further proves that it is time for the Bruins to sell off some of their players. While that does not necessarily mean starting a rebuild, a retool is overdue.
Some of the Bruins' top trade candidates heading into the 2025 NHL trade deadline are pending unrestricted free agents Trent Frederic, Justin Brazeau, Cole Koepke, and Parker Wotherspoon. Brad Marchand has also come up in the rumor mill, but the Bruins are still hoping to get him signed to an extension.
Nevertheless, with the Bruins continuing to squander opportunities to climb up the standings, don't be surprised if we see changes to their roster made by the March 7 deadline.
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