Post Game Thoughts: Hurricanes 7, Bruins 1

What an abject disaster. Coming off wins against the Lightning, Capitals, and Predators, the Bruins looked to continue their hot streak against another one of the leagues top teams in Carolina. To say things went poorly is an understatement. Here are some of my post-game thoughts.

• Tuukka looks shaky: Obviously we need to start with the most polarizing player on the team. After a solid debut allowing only 2 goals in a win over the Flyers, Tuukka was lit up vs the Hurricanes. Regardless of how bad the team was in front of him, and make no mistake they were horrible, no NHL goalie should be allowing 5 goals on 12 shots in one period. He is going to need some time to fully shake off the rust, but this sort of night can’t happen.

• What happened to Cliffy Hockey?: Conor Clifton was a bit of a revelation when he first arrived on the scene In 2019. Seemingly the 10th or 11th defenseman on the depth chart, he got his chance and ran with it, providing a physical game and aggressive approach that won him a spot. He was rewarded with a 3 year extension to keep him in Boston and be a replacement for Kevan Miller on the third pair. I can’t say for sure what has gone wrong but the current version of Clifton does not resemble the guy who first arrived on the scene. He’s timid, not as physical, and makes multiple head scratching plays on both ends of the ice seemingly every night. I am not sure he should be in the top 6 when the team is at full health.

• I mean seriously, what was that?: I could probably spend an hour nitpicking every player on the roster, as it was truly an atrocious showing top to bottom. The Hurricanes won every race to the puck, were faster in transition, didn’t lose battles, and were definitely the more physical team. After a good run of playing well against good teams, the Bruins just did not stack up against Carolina. Lets hope this was a one-off.

• Hurricanes note-Jaccob Slavin is top notch: Quick shoutout to Jaccob Slavin, who in my opinion is the most underrated defenseman in the game. 1-2-3 and a +4 in 22 minutes of ice time. The guy just does it all. Great skater, great stick, blocks shots, can contribute offensively. Love watching him play.