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Bruins Notebook

Bruins’ power play is making connections

With a goal and two assists, David Krejci was in on all three Bruins power-play goals. Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff

After three home losses to start the season, the Bruins are desperate for a positive plank upon which to build some good feelings.

Their power play did that in Monday’s 6-3 loss to Tampa Bay.

The Bruins scored on three of their four man-up opportunities. The No. 1 unit produced all three, with Loui Eriksson (two goals), Torey Krug (three assists), and David Krejci (goal, two assists) doing the heavy lifting. The Bruins’ clean entries into the offensive zone played a big part in the goals.

“I thought they’d been a tough team to penetrate,” coach Claude Julien said of the Lightning. “I thought our guys did a good job of getting some speed through the neutral zone, putting pucks behind them, and getting in on the forecheck.”

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Krug and Krejci, the point men, were in synch with the bottom of the formation. Eriksson was good at getting to the danger areas on all three goals. Eriksson was in front when Krejci’s first-period point blast got through. Eriksson was lurking at the far post for an easy tap-in later in the period following Krug’s cross-crease pass. In the second, Eriksson tipped Krejci’s shot past Bishop.

“I thought our power play did phenomenal today,” Chris Kelly said. “It seems we were relying on them a little bit too much tonight. I think we just need to find ways to get things done five-on-five and prevent goals from going in.”

Kelly moves up

After playing the first two games on the fourth line, Kelly skated on the No. 3 line on Monday with Ryan Spooner and Jimmy Hayes. Kelly was the left wing. Hayes, formerly on the left side, shifted to right wing.

Kelly had an early impact by drawing a hooking call on Matt Carle at 2:41 of the first. Eighteen seconds later, Krejci scored on the power play.

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The third line did not play well in the first two games. They spent most of their shifts chasing the puck and spending time in the defensive zone. In theory, Kelly’s defensive game would help Spooner and Hayes play more offense.

“Just look for each other’s strengths,” Kelly said of his approach. “Jimmy’s a big, strong guy who skates well. Ryan sees the ice well and skates well. If we find a way to complement each other, we’ll be all right.”

The line improved defensively. Tampa did not score on the group at even strength. But Spooner (one shot on net in 15:55 of ice time) and Hayes (zero shots in 13:22) did not contribute offensively.

Irwin clears waivers

Matt Irwin reported to Providence after clearing waivers by Monday’s noon deadline. Irwin was on the ice for five even-strength goals against in the first two games. By waiving Irwin, the Bruins opened a roster spot for Chara.

The Bruins signed Irwin to a one-year, $800,000 contract. That they dismissed the 27-year-old after just two games indicates that management did not require additional viewings to render their judgment.

“I didn’t really see that coming,” Adam McQuaid said. “But it shows there is that urgency. Decisions will be made. You can control what you control by bringing what you do. Bring your best every day kind of attitude. There’s the business side of the game where tough decisions like that are made. You worry about your game. You’ve got to make sure you’re fighting every day to stay here.”

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Marchand grounded

Julien did not believe Brad Marchand (concussion) would be accompanying the team on its two-game road trip to Colorado and Arizona. The Bruins are scheduled to leave Boston on Tuesday afternoon . . . Brett Connolly moved up to the first line in Marchand’s absence. Connolly landed three shots on goal in 13:58 of play . . . Ben Bishop drew three goaltender interference penalties. Julien did not believe all three were legitimate. “They’re trying to get the embellishment out of the game, but they don’t seem to pay any attention to it when it comes to goaltenders,” Julien said. “We’ve seen it many times on replays, watching games on TV, the embellishment gets called on the other guy. Right now, they’re getting away with a lot of it.” . . . Kevan Miller and Colin Miller took shifts with Chara. Julien deployed Chara’s pair against Steven Stamkos, leaving Krug and McQuaid to match against Ondrej Palat, Tyler Johnson, and Nikita Kucherov. The Bruins held both of Tampa’s lines off the scoresheet during five-on-five play . . . Zach Trotman and Tyler Randell were the healthy scratches . . . Travis Roy dropped the ceremonial first puck. The former Boston University player signed a one-day contract with the Bruins. The team made a $50,000 donation to the Travis Roy Foundation to benefit research of spinal cord injuries.


Fluto Shinzawa can be reached at fshinzawa@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @GlobeFluto.