One factor that popped for the Bruins of their preseason opener on the Backyard was their sharp new uniforms that harken again to the Nineteen Eighties classic.
However the unis topped a really brief record of positives for the B’s of their 5-2 loss to a Washington Capitals lineup that was lighter on projected NHLers than the Black-and-Gold facet.
Contemplating he’s simply laying the inspiration for the way he needs the crew to play, new coach Marco Sturm wasn’t going to overreact to the outcome.
“Hear, can we just like the ending? No, after all not. However having been there lots of instances, first preseason recreation at house, plenty of pleasure, plenty of youngsters combating for a spot, plenty of data the final three days, we went by way of loads… it was only a totally different voice I suppose,” mentioned Sturm, who needs to see enchancment within the cohesion of the five-man models. “I don’t blame my gamers, they work onerous however we had been simply not sensible sufficient and that’s why we had been down instantly 4-1. I’m glad it occurred as a result of now it’s going to provide me one thing to work with and I do know precisely the areas now we have to be higher.”
The primary preseason recreation is much from a make-or-break proposition for seasoned veterans, who’re simply attempting to shake the rust off. However each recreation is necessary for younger gamers attempting to make an impression and none of these youngsters took an enormous leap ahead. The B’s line of Matej Blumel, Matt Poitras and Alex Steeves had been a minus-3. The road did play higher within the third interval and Steeves had a fantastic likelihood off a damaged play within the third interval however he was stoned by Washington goalie Garin Bjorklund.
“These guys, they do care, they went all-out the final three days, I can let you know that. Right this moment, I believed they seemed a bit bit drained. However it’s simply expertise. They fight so onerous, however then they don’t suppose. A variety of instances, they simply obtained caught,” mentioned Sturm.
Fraser Minten (2 pictures, three hits, 5-for-6 on faceoffs) and Fabian Lysell, on a line with veteran Tanner Jeannot, seemed a bit higher and didn’t quit a lot in their very own finish, however they may not handle to get on the board.
The B’s greatest line of the evening was the fourth unit of Jeffrey Viel, Patrick Brown and Riley Duran, all of whom are more than likely earmarked for Windfall. Brown scored a purpose and Duran practically had one within the third interval however his tip hit the crossbar. Viel performed his regular position of antagonist effectively.
“They did all the things I needed them to do,” mentioned Sturm.
Goalie Michael DiPietro, who was hoped to push Joonas Korpisalo, allowed 5 targets on 21 pictures.
The primary interval began OK for the B’s, however rapidly deteriorated. The B’s scored first however then gave up 4 unanswered targets.
Sturm needs to up the shot quantity this 12 months and that mentality led to the B’s first purpose. Charlie McAvoy, enjoying in his first recreation since having his season ended with the shoulder harm/an infection on the 4 Nations Faceoff final February, fired a fast shot that was blocked out in entrance. However Morgan Geekie circled into the left facet of the slot and beat Logan Thompson on a turnaround one-timer.
A lot for the primary interval Bruin highlights.
Sonny Milano tied it up simply 31 seconds later when his backhander obtained up over DiPietro’s glove shoulder. It was the primary of two for Milano and the primary of three with the protection pair of Nikita Zadorov and Victor Soderstrom on the ice.
Hendrix Lapierre gave the Caps the lead on a partial breakaway then Milano beat DiPietro to the glove facet from the excessive slot.
Lastly, Mason Lohrei misplaced the puck when he obtained picked within the low left circle by an official. Ivan Miroschnichenko pounced on the free puck and despatched it down for a redirect by Bogdan Trineyev in entrance of McAvoy to make it 4-1.
Sturm has mentioned he needs to provide Lohrei, who struggled final 12 months in an elevated position, a clear slate this season and desires to work with him to scrub up his recreation.
“Watching him previously, there’s nonetheless turnovers. He simply has to get higher at that and a bit little bit of positioning. There have been a number of conditions, particularly within the D zone that he simply has to acknowledge very, in a short time,” mentioned Sturm. “It’s a tough league, and on this league issues occur very, very quick. That’s why these issues need to click on and click on instantly.”
McAvoy, in the meantime, felt good bodily and mentally in his first recreation again.
“It was good to play hockey once more,” mentioned McAvoy. “When the preseason will get going, there was a some good and a few dangerous however it was good to get on the market once more and it was good to really feel good. Physique feels actually good. Now it’s about getting the timing again and getting the legs beneath you.”
The B’s took 24 pictures on the primary interval however landed solely 10.
Brown obtained one again early within the second on a hard-working shift together with his fourth line mates Duran and Viel. Duran ultimately fed Brown for the purpose.
However with the B’s pushing to get it to inside a purpose, they gave up an odd-man rush. Lohrei was the lone man again, however he couldn’t stop Hendrix Lapierre’s move from getting by way of to Ryan Chesley, who beat DiPietro for the purpose.
The B’s pushed onerous within the third, holding a 9-4 shot benefit, however couldn’t beat Bjorklund.
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