Three tough takeaways as Bruins fall hard to Lightning in Stadium Series

The Bruins endured a tough shootout defeat to the Lightning on Sunday night. When the NHL announced a Stadium Series matchup between Boston and Tampa Bay two years ago, expectations were high for an exciting game—and it delivered. After building a 5‑1 lead in the second period, the Bruins collapsed, aided in part by some questionable officiating.

Boston was called for seven minor penalties in the second period and compounded their troubles with careless penalties of their own, allowing Tampa Bay to score three goals and cut the lead to 5‑4 before tying the game. The Bruins managed to earn a point in regulation but ultimately fell in the shootout. Here are three takeaways from a wild night in Central Florida.

Morgan Geekie keeps heating up
After snapping a 12-game scoring drought with a power-play goal against the Dallas Stars last month, Morgan Geekie has continued to light the lamp. He scored twice to help the Bruins establish a four-goal advantage, raising his season total to 32. His first goal came from redirecting a Charlie McAvoy shot, and the second was a slap shot set up by David Pastrnak. Hopefully, the Olympic break doesn’t slow his momentum.

Jeremy Swayman deserved better
Boston only secured a loser point thanks to Jeremy Swayman’s stellar performance. He faced 38 shots across the second and third periods, plus nine in overtime. While he did take a delay-of-game penalty that contributed to Boston’s penalty woes, he made several critical saves—including stopping Nikita Kucherov on a breakaway late in overtime. The shootout defeat came after Jake Guentzel scored the lone goal, but Swayman’s play kept the Bruins in the game.

Marco Sturm’s shootout choices need work
Despite generally good coaching decisions this season, Marco Sturm’s shootout lineup remains questionable. Against Tampa Bay, Casey Mittlestadt’s attempt fell short, and Fraser Minten seemed unprepared against Andrei Vasilevskiy.

Pasternak the post on his attempt, leaving one to wonder why Geekie wasn’t sent out instead of Minten. At least Andrew Peeke wasn’t called on this time.