Tampa stepped it up in the 3rd and for once the Bruins couldn't answer. They need losses or at the very least hard games, and they need legit teams like the Bolts testing them out. Can't have the playing group get too complacent or sloppy, and can't have Sweeney thinking that there's nothing that needs to be done before the deadline. Other teams will likely make improvements, Boston ideally will need to as well. I know the cap situation is very tight, but this is no time to equivocate. This team is worth investing in.
Games like this only reinforce to me that the roster still feels a bit too soft. Talent and chemistry are great, but I'd still be lot happier if they acquire a harder more physical edge before the playoffs.
Shame to lose to Tampa, but it should provide some useful lessons. Let's see what the immediate response is like in Sunrise.