As the Bruins navigate a congested December schedule, several key storylines are emerging. From individual player performances to the team's standing in a competitive division, here's a look at what's ahead for Boston.
Geekie's Ascent
Morgan Geekie continues to impress this season, establishing himself as a reliable scorer for the Bruins. Recently, Geekie tallied a power-play goal and an assist in a 5-4 shootout loss to the Vancouver Canucks. Over his last five games, he has recorded three multi-point efforts, with a notable portion of those points coming on the power play. With 25 goals and 39 points in 36 appearances, Geekie has exceeded expectations, providing crucial offensive support. On December 17th, Geekie had a two-goal outing against the Utah Mammoth. He ranks second in the league for goals scored, only behind Nathan MacKinnon.
Navigating the Division Logjam
The Bruins currently hold 4th place in the Atlantic Division with a 20-15-1 record. The Atlantic Division remains highly competitive, with teams battling for playoff positioning. The Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves in an unusual position at the bottom of the division with a 15-14-5 record.
Maccelli's Opportunity
Matias Maccelli, recently in the Maple Leafs' lineup, is looking to solidify his role. Maccelli had been out of the lineup for an extended period, but he returned with an assist in a recent game. His performance may have earned him more playing time. In 9 career games against the Bruins, Maccelli has 2 goals and 6 assists.
Bruins' Recent Games
The Bruins are coming off a 5-4 shootout loss to the Vancouver Canucks. Jeremy Swayman, despite the loss, made 18 saves on 22 shots. Andrew Peeke contributed a goal in the same game. Tanner Jeannot also scored, ending a 10-game drought. The Bruins beat the Utah Mammoth 4-1 on December 17th, with Geekie scoring twice.
Looking Ahead
The Bruins' power play ranks among the league's best, tied for fifth at 25.5%. However, their penalty kill has been struggling recently, dropping to 17th in the league at 80.6%. The team's upcoming schedule includes home games against the Ottawa Senators on December 21st and the Montreal Canadiens on December 23rd.
