For the first time in three weeks, the Bruins returned to TD Garden for their fifth home game of the season.
New Jersey’s speed and tenacity proved troublesome for the Bruins and the Devils handed the Bruins their first home loss and first back-to-back regulation losses of the season.
Following the 3-2 loss, the Bruins are now 10-3-2.
Here are three key takeaways from the game.
1. Devils' speed and quickness gives Bruins fits
Following four days off from game action, rust was a factor against a quick, speedy and aggressive Devils team.
New Jersey skated with unmatched speed and effort, continuously taking away time and space from the Bruins all game long.
Executing a two-man forecheck, the Devils forced Bruins defensemen into premature decisions and their defensemen did well to pinch down the wall and keep the play in Boston’s defensive zone.
Ultimately for the Bruins, there’s no excuse for being outworked for an entire game and hopefully the loss serves as a wake-up call that there are no easy wins.
2. David Krejci leaves with injury
It’s been a frustrating time for David Krejci as he still searches for his first goal of the season.
Frustrations may only increase now after leaving Thursday night’s game against New Jersey with a lower-body injury.
What’s unfortunate for Krejci is that he was playing alongside David Pastrnak in an effort to help find more offensive production.
In Krejci’s absence, Bruce Cassidy was forced to shuffle the lines around, making it difficult for the Bruins to establish an offensive rhythm.
It’s unclear when Krejci’s injury occurred or how long he will be sideline because of it, but the timing isn’t ideal as the Bruins have been looking to jump start their second line production.
While the Bruins will miss the services of Krejci, this may be an optimal time for Jack Studnicka to earn another opportunity.
3. Jake DeBrusk scores his first of the year
It’s been a difficult start to the season for Jake DeBrusk.
After battling injury to start the year, DeBrusk had only accumulated two assists through his first nine games played.
Thursday against the Devils, DeBrusk was finally able to break through with his first goal of the season, getting the monkey off his back.
DeBrusk was able to bury a turnover over Mackenzie Blackwood’s right shoulder for an unassisted power-play goal.
DeBrusk was also engaged physically, leading all Bruins forwards with three hits.
DeBrusk has the proven ability to score, now he needs to show he can do so consistently.