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3 major takeaways from Boston Bruins' 3-2 win in first preseason game vs Rangers
The Boston Bruins suffered their first preseason loss at the hands of the New York Rangers by a margin of 3-2.
Alex Belzile scored the game-winning goal at 4:46 of the third period. Filip Chytil and Victor Mancini scored for New York. Cole Koepke and Trevor Kuntar replied for the Boston Bruins.
Overall, both sides iced lineups mainly composed of prospects and depth players hoping to earn roster spots. However, that didn’t keep this game from being an entertaining one.
So, here’s a look at the three major takeaways from the Boston Bruins’ first preseason loss.
3 major takeaways from the Boston Bruins’ first preseason loss
#3. The Bruins controlled the play despite losing the game
The Boston Bruins controlled the play for significant chunks of the game. The B’s outshot the Rangers 28 to 22, generating plenty of scoring opportunities despite being on the losing end of the score.
The Bruins, as is typically their style, were aggressive and played a tough, physical style. The tempo slowed down at times due to the game’s physical nature. Still, the tempo picked up more often than not, allowing the Rangers to generate scoring chances of their own.
In the end, the Bruins lost a tough, low-scoring game as the Rangers were able to lock the game down in the third period.
#2. The goaltending was solid for Boston
The Boston Bruins entered training camp with a large question mark looming over the team regarding its goaltending situation. However, the tandem of Brandon Bussi and Michael DiPietro looked solid in the crease against the Rangers.
While neither goalie faced a large number of shots, they made the saves they had to. In the end, it was DiPietro who let in the game-winner. However, it’s tough to blame DiPietro for the goal as Belzile was left all alone in front of the net to redirect a shot past DiPietro.
Overall, the Bruins should be encouraged as both Bussi and DiPietro look like solid backup options for Joonas Korpisalo.
#1. The Rangers exploited gaps in the Bruins’ defensive zone coverage
The Belzile goal is a good example of how the Rangers capitalized on the Bruins’ few mistakes. While the defense was solid all game, the Belzile goal exposed how the Bruins’ coverage can get mixed up.
The play started with the B’s at their own blue line chasing the puck. Belzile snuck in behind the line, heading to the net as the Bruins’ defenders chased Chytil who had just come off the bench.
The third-period goal ruined what was a largely good effort from the Bruins’ defense and netminders. Moving forward, Boston will need to pay closer attention to such defensive-zone gaffes.
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