Sports: By the Numbers

by Rick Winterson

In recent months, Boston has endured what many news writers consider to be a “dismantling” of the Red Sox. These writers have then written countless articles about said dismantling. And more recently, we were treated to a partially obscene write-up (three asterisks *** were used) of what is going on with the Patriots.

But worse than that, as of last weekend, our potential championship teams – the Bruins and the Celtics – each posted three consecutive losses, the first stretch of three losses for either team this season. On Saturday, the Celtics managed to pull out an overtime win against the Lakers after blowing three games all last week. And that win resulted from an officiating error. The Bruins’ third loss, 4-1 against the admittedly strong Hurricanes, happened on Sunday evening. It was really fortunate that Mayor Wu’s highly optimistic State of the City address took place more than a week ago.

But as always, a somewhat more detailed look at the numbers will bring a bit of relief to Boston’s fans (note that we haven’t included last night’s hockey and basketball wins in our calculations).

Please realize two things up front. First, three-game losing streaks are simply not that rare. In an athletic season that stretches over six or seven months and has 82 regularly scheduled games, these will happen now and then! And second, look at the season records. The Celts did get back into the winning column last Saturday and is the only NBA team playing .700 ball, while the Bruins have experienced just seven losses before the NHL’s All-Star break. “They’ll both be age and Woods Mullen Shelter for women over 18 years of age are open 24/7. Amnesty is in effect and anyone with a nonviolent restriction may come in.

Pine Street Inn’s mobile outreach vehicles will also be out on the street with extended hours.

The Engagement Center on Atkinson Street will be open with expanded hours from 6am to 7pm. Outreach workers have been engaging with unhoused people in the area of Mass and Cass to inform them of the upcoming cold weather and of resources they can access. back strong” is a safe prediction.

The Boston Police Department (BPD) is making announcements on every shift reminding officers and all personnel to be on the lookout for people on the streets. BPD will conduct wellness checks or assist with transportation to available shelters and coordinate with emergency medical personnel for unsheltered individuals. The BPD Street Outreach Unit will be available as a resource to assist the districts, outreach providers and 911 dispatch as needed. They will also be passing out gloves, hats, jackets, and hand warmers. Older adults can also call 311 or the Boston Home Center at 617-635-HOME (4663) to be connected with a City staffer to provide additional details. For alerts, including coldweather alerts, residents are encouraged to sign up for Alert Boston. For more information, please visit the Winter in Boston guide and follow @ CityofBoston on Twitter.

So let’s move on:

The Celts have two key players temporarily out right now – Marcus Smart and Robert Williams III, who’ll return soon. They also have an effective bench. Malcolm Brogdon is good enough to start when necessary; Luke Kornet at 7’2” can fill in at center; others from the bench can quickly pop a few three-pointers. Even after their losses, the Celts are on track to win around 58 games – a first place NBA number. Now take a look at just one, single key Bruins number. As of yesterday, their “Goals

Against” (“GA”) was 109. Even including that triplet of three straight losses, they were allowing opponents to score only 2.2 GA per game. The Bruins have by far the best defense in the NHL – the Hurricanes and the Devils at 131 GA each are tied for a distant second place defensively. Now go one step further. Numbers as of yesterday morning indicate that the Bruins could win more than 60 games this regular season, possibly tying (or exceeding?) the NHL record of 62 wins. If that happens, it will be due to the stellar Bruins’ defense more than anything else.

Numerically speaking, things are looking up in Boston.