Boston Bruins Lose Fourth Straight Game, Fall 5-4 To Los Angeles Kings
James van Riemsdyk had three points (two goals, one assist) in the Boston Bruins' 5-4 loss to the Los Angeles Kings Saturday afternoon at TD Garden.
Boston Bruins Lose Fourth Straight Game, Fall 5-4 To Los Angeles KingsThe Boston Bruins headed to the power play with 2:36 remaining in overtime Saturday afternoon against the Los Angeles Kings.
The man advantage, however, was unable to capitalize, and a late clear from Phillip Danault hit Brandt Clarke dashing out of the penalty box for the breakaway, game-winning goal in the 5-4 Bruins loss.
While Boston led 3-1 in the second period, a Los Angeles squad vying for points in the standings continually clawed its way back and handed the B’s their fifth loss in six games.
“They’re a desperate team, they’re fighting for their playoff lives, and we’re going to get a lot of that now. I think our desperation has not matched our opponents’ consistently,” Bruins coach Jim Montgomery said.
James van Riemsdyk had three points (two goals, one assist), Anthony Richard netted his first as a Bruin and the bottom six finally had some juice. Nonetheless, Boston – for the fourth consecutive game – could not find a path to two points.
“We’ve all got to dig deep,” Montgomery said.
Van Riemsdyk gave his team a 1-0 lead at 8:03 of the first period with a greasy, net-front goal. The veteran forward worked along the walls, popped the puck out to Trent Frederic in front and looped around to knock in the rebound by the right doorstep.
It looked like David Pastrnak doubled Boston’s advantage just 27 seconds later with a wrister from the left circle, but it ultimately got overturned for goaltender interference – Jake DeBrusk was stationed in the crease.
The Kings found the 1-1 equalizer off a low, back-handed shot from defenseman Matt Roy at 11:02.
Van Riemsdyk potted his second of the game while on the power play. Charlie McAvoy released the initial shot from the top of the zone which van Riemsdyk got a piece of before whacking it past Kings goaltender David Rittich with his back turned toward the net. Van Riemsdyk’s 11th goal of the season made it 2-1 Bruins at 14:45.
“It’s always nice to pot a couple – obviously wish it was in a win. Felt a little snakebit for a good chunk of the year, so it’s nice to get rewarded with a couple, but would much rather have the win,” van Riemsdyk said.
The Bruins extended their lead in the second period off a grinding play from the fourth line. Jesper Boqvist and Jakub Lauko won a puck battle along the boards before knocking the rubber over to Anthony Richard who was left open in the low slot. Richard roofed it home for the 3-1 scoreline at 13:04. The tally marked Richard’s first as a Bruin – the 27-year-old forward was called up from AHL Providence on Jan. 8.
“It was awesome,” Richard said. “Scoring at home, it’s always more special. Especially here, the crowd is pretty good when we score goals – they get us going. Obviously was a huge goal for our line, but it’s always nicer when you win.”
Defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov cut the Kings’ deficit to 3-2 at 16:36 with a lofty rocket from the point that made its way through traffic and beat Linus Ullmark clean.
The Kings came back again in the final frame, tying things 3-3 at 5:51. Poor coverage down low from Derek Forbort and Kevin Shattenkirk led to forward Alex Laferriere burying a loose puck in Ullmark’s crease.
Boston was quick to respond, though, and Frederic regained the lead at 7:11 off the rush. Frederic trailed behind Morgan Geekie who got the initial shot off, and knocked in the rebound for the 4-3 lift and his 15th goal of the season.
Anze Kopitar pushed the game to overtime with a power-play goal at 18:23 of the third period after Pavel Zacha was called for holding.
“I think it’s unfortunate that we had a kill with three minutes left, and they made a good play – credit to them. I think we just need to not be in those situations,” Frederic said.
Clarke’s overtime goal marked the Bruins’ fifth loss at TD Garden since they opened their seven-game homestand on Feb. 6. The team has one contest left – Monday against the Dallas Stars – in front of its home crowd before a four-game road trip.
“I think we have a lot of confidence in what we’re doing as a team and our process and things like that,” van Riemsdyk said. “Just a matter of sticking with it, getting back tomorrow, having a good day of practice and being ready to go for a big game on Monday.”