The Boston Bruins started off this season lookig to be a surprise playoff contender after being huge sellers at last year's trade deadline. The team had a promising start, winning each of their first three games. Since that, the Bruins spiraled out of control, losing seven of their next nine games.
Boston's defense has been a major cause of their troubles. Head coach Marco Sturm placed Mason Lohrei in the doghouse for his play so far this season. Sturm also had criticism for Bruins veteran defenseman Charlie McAvoy for "not being on the same page" as his teammates.