3 major takeaways from Boston Bruins' 5-2 loss in preseason game vs New York Rangers

By Nestor Quixtan

Modified Sep 27, 2024 04:33 GMT

The Boston Bruins dropped a 5-2 decision at the hands of the New York Rangers on Thursday night at Madison Square Garden.

The Rangers notched their third win of the postseason thanks to goals from Adam Fox, Chris Kreider, Brennan Othmann, Jony Brodzinski, and an empty-netter from Adam Edstrom. Meanwhile, Brett Harrison and Mark Kastelic replied for the Boston Bruins.

Here's a closer look at the Boston Bruins 5-2 loss against the New York Rangers on Thursday night.

Top 3 takeaways from Boston Bruins' preseason loss vs New York Rangers

#3. The Rangers dominated from start to finish

The Boston Bruins did not have one of their stronger games. The Rangers dominated the game from the opening whistle down to the final horn.

Overall, the Rangers outshot the Bruins 33-24. The Rangers led 3-1 after 20 minutes after two late goals by Kreider and Othmann came about one minute and 20 seconds apart.

The Rangers led 4-2 after 40 minutes and then proceeded to lock the game down in the third period. Edstrom added the empty netter to seal the win.

#2. The Bruins defense had a rough night

The Bruins defense let the team down on Thursday night. Mainstays Charlie McAvoy and Nikita Zadorov did not look good on the ice.

But it was Zadorov in particular who looked awful on the Othmann goal. Zadorov failed to corral the puck as it came around the boards in the Rangers zone.

Then, a streaking Othmann got a breakaway that he finished by beating Boston Bruins netminder Brandon Bussi.

Zadorov played 22 minutes on the night, while McAvoy played nearly 24. However, both blueliners did not look their best against the Rangers.

#1. Brandon Bussi took a step back

Bussi showed encouraging signs in his last outing. However, the Rangers made Bussi look vulnerable on all four goals. The Brodzinski goal was a good example of how out of place Bussi looked on Thursday night.

After the Bruins lost the puck in their own end, a pass from behind the net bounced up about waist-high when Brodzinski batted the puck over Bussi’s left shoulder.

For Bussi, the setback is unfortunate as he is vying for the backup role behind projected starter Joonas Korpisalo. Bussi should get another chance to show what he can do this preseason. In the meantime, Michael DiPietro could get another look before the Bruins make further roster cuts.