Calgary Flames vs. Boston Bruins Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 7th 2024

Preview and Prediction

Following back-to-back shutouts this past weekend, the Boston Bruins seemed to have turned a corner. However, on Tuesday, they returned to their old ways.

Their chances for a three-game win streak were dashed as they allowed three power-play goals in a 4-0 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. But the Bruins will have a chance to start fresh when they host the Calgary Flames on Thursday.

This was the fourth time in 10 games that Boston has surrendered three goals on the man advantage, and their third time being shut out. Their power play was ineffective, going 0-for-6 against the Maple Leafs, who had previously lost eight straight regular-season meetings against the Bruins.

"The players on the penalty kill and power play, along with us coaches, need to improve our plan and execution," said Bruins coach Jim Montgomery.

David Pastrnak, who has six goals and 11 points, played the most of any Bruins forward in the game against Toronto. He took four shots on goal and drew three penalties in 22:18 of ice time. This was a sign of a solid 5-on-5 game, but their special teams, which rank 29th in the league on the power play and 20th on the penalty kill, need to improve.

"It was a tough loss, but I think we were right there for most of the game. Our special teams really hurt us," Pastrnak said.

Despite the loss, Montgomery sees overall improvement in his team's performance.

"Our habits and details are getting better," he said. "We don't like losing 4-0, but they got three power-play goals. When we look at our 5-on-5 game, we don't feel like we're giving up too much. We still need to work on getting more time in the offensive zone, but that's a work in progress."

The Bruins also suffered a loss on the injury front, as defenseman Andrew Peeke left the game in the first period with an upper-body injury after a hit from Toronto's Max Pacioretty. There is no update on his status.

The Flames have won two of their last three games after a four-game losing streak. They come to Boston for the second game of a three-game road trip in the Atlantic Division, following a 3-2 overtime win against the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday.

The star of the night for Calgary was 21-year-old Matt Coronato, who scored two goals, including the game-winner just seven seconds into overtime. This was only his third game since being called up from the American Hockey League, and he now has four goals in eight NHL games this season.

"The kid can shoot it, a couple big ones," said Coronato's linemate Blake Coleman. "He's really talented and he's a hardworking kid and he's humble, he brings a lot to the table."

Another young player, 23-year-old Connor Zary, scored the Flames' first goal of the game. And 20-year-old goaltender Dustin Wolf made 15 of his 21 saves in the first period to keep the game scoreless.

While the standout performances from their young players are encouraging, Flames coach Ryan Huska, like Montgomery, knows his team needs to improve in special teams situations.

Calgary's power play ranks 23rd in the league, with only one goal in their last eight games. And their penalty kill is even worse, ranking 27th in the NHL.

"We're seeing some good things from our 5-on-5 game," said Huska. "I like the effort from just about everyone in our lineup, but we need to get our special teams going as well."

PREDICTION

Calgary Flames

2

4

Boston Bruins

Calgary Flames vs. Boston Bruins