The Boston Bruins played the Dallas Stars on Sunday evening in a game that the B’s looked surprisingly unprepared for. In the 6-1 loss, Linus Ullmark had his worst start of the season and the offense looked incredibly lackluster while ex-Bruin Tyler Seguin potted two goals vs. his former squad.
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The first period came close in terms of shots, but unfortunately for the Bruins, NOT close in goals. Seguin then scored on an unassisted goal because young Urho Vaakanainen knocked a rolling puck right to him. Less than seven minutes into the period and it was already 1-0 Dallas with only two shots on net.
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Later in the opening period, the Stars added to their lead thanks to Alexander Radulov’s 142nd career goal. Esa Lindell’s breakout pass gave Radulov a breakaway that led to another Dallas goal. The 35-year-old Russian went forehand, to his backhand, then right back to his forehand for a great goal.
The second period turned out to be the second consecutive period where the Bruins were outshot (11-10 in the 1st, 9-8 in the 2nd). Even though they had relatively few shots, the Stars capitalized with another duo of goals. Luke Glendening got his sixth goal of the year off of a deflection right in front of the net. Not soon after, Jamie Benn hit double-digit goals and Ullmark was pulled. Benn received a pass right in front of the net and scored just a minute after Glendening.
The third period came and went and it was all the same. Less than five minutes in, and Roope Hintz scored his 20th goal of the year. Craig Smith ended Jake Oettinger’s shutout about a minute later, but that’s all the positives that came from the Bruins in this game. To pour some more salt into Boston’s wound, Seguin scored his second goal of the game with less than two minutes left.
Ullmark with his season-low .692 save percentage didn’t play up to par, but it was his third straight start for the Bruins. Jeremy Swayman, who stepped in and played the last 32 minutes of the game, didn’t leave much to be desired either with a .857 save percentage.
Jake Oettinger absolutely dominated the Bruins on the other hand. He saved 25-of-26 shots and nearly got his second career shutout.
The Bruins will hope to bounce back in two days back at home. The Bruins will play the Seattle Kraken who have an abysmal 5-12-2 away record. Puck drop will take place at 7:00 p.m. in TD Garden as the B’s plan to secure their 15th home victory.