The Boston Bruins faced a challenging season opener against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night, suffering a 6-4 defeat at Amerant Bank Arena. The Panthers established an early lead with their first goal and controlled the game, leading 5-1 midway through the second period.
Defense was a significant issue for the Bruins throughout the match. Goalie Joonas Korpisalo, making his debut for Boston, conceded six goals on 35 shots, including a crucial shorthanded goal from Sam Reinhart in the first period, which derailed Boston’s momentum during a power play.
Despite the score, Korpisalo’s performance was not entirely to blame, as he faced a barrage of opportunities with the Bruins’ defense leaving him exposed. Head coach Jim Montgomery addressed this after the game, emphasizing that the team did not support their goalie adequately. He pointed out that allowing four easy goals without proper coverage was unacceptable, stressing the need for improvement in team execution.
The statistical analysis from the game highlighted Boston’s defensive struggles. The Panthers outperformed them with 53 shot attempts, 27 shots on goal, and a significant advantage in scoring chances, including high-danger opportunities.
Despite the loss, Montgomery is cautious about drawing conclusions from just one game. He reminisced about the previous season when the Bruins lost their season opener 7-0 to the Washington Capitals but rebounded to reach the Stanley Cup Final shortly afterward. However, the match against the Panthers served as a reminder that Florida remains a formidable opponent, demonstrating both physical play and quickness throughout all three zones.
Looking ahead, the Bruins will have another opportunity to compete against the Panthers next Monday at TD Garden, where they hope to improve on their performance.