3 major takeaways from Boston Bruins' 3-2 OT loss in preseason game vs Philadelphia Flyers

By Nestor Quixtan

Modified Sep 29, 2024 02:45 GMT

The Boston Bruins lost a tight-checking game 3-2 in OT against the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday night at the Wells Fargo Center. Matvei Michkov scored twice, including the OT winner to give the Flyers a solid preseason win. Rasmus Ristolainen added the other goal for Philly.

Meanwhile, the Bruins got goals from Hampus Lindholm and Matthew Poitras. With the game now in the books, let’s look at three major takeaways from the Boston Bruins’ 3-2 OT loss to the Flyers on Saturday night.

3 major takeaways from Boston Bruins' preseason loss vs Philadelphia Flyers

#3. Korpisalo kept the Bruins in the game

Boston Bruins netminder Joonas Korpisalo kept his team in the game all night. The Flyers peppered 40 shots at the Bruins’ net. But Korpisalo stood tall and gave the Bruins a chance to win the game.

However, Michkov's OT winner was a case of poor defensive play. As the puck came around the boards in the Flyers’ zone, Michkov took a pass from Travis Konecny, leading him to a one-on-one against Bruins blueliner Frederic Brunet.

As Konecny streaked up the right side, Michkov sold the pass and proceeded to bury the puck home for the game-winner. While the goal was Kospisalo’s fault due to the poor read on the play, it’s hard to blame him given the Bruins’ lack of defensive effort on the play.

#2. The Bruins missed their top players

Charlie McAvoy, Nikita Zadorov, Elias Lindholm, and David Pastrnak were absent from Saturday night’s roster. Their absence was noticeable as the Flyers dominated most of the game. If not for Korpisalo, the Flyers could have routed the Bruins.

This point is crucial as it seems the depth in the Bruins’ lineup is lacking. Moving forward, the Bruins will need to assess their team’s depth in case key players are absent due to injury.

#1. Poitras looked poised to earn a full-time job

Poitras played in 33 games last season. He chipped in 15 points but was absent from Boston’s playoff roster. Given Saturday night’s performance, Poitras could be closing in on a full-time job, most likely in the bottom six.

Poitras could become highly useful as a third-line center. Moreover, if injuries become a concern, Poitras might get an audition in the top six.

Poitras may need some more action in the preseason before the Boston Bruins can make a final decision on his destination this season.