The Boston Bruins finished with a 4-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings in the second preseason game on Tuesday night at TD Garden.
Third period observations:
- Defenseman Torey Krug, who was hit in the face with a shot in the second period and exited the ice, did not return. Coach Bruce Cassidy did not have an update after the game and said he'll know more on Wednesday.
- Rookie forward Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson collided with an opponent and fell awkwardly into the corner boards late in the second period. He was slow to get to his feet and went to the bench. He attempted to play a few more shifts before shutting it down for the remainder of the game. Cassidy deemed JFK as day-to-day with an upper-body injury. "I don't think it's serious but I can't speculate. We'll have an update tomorrow," Cassidy said. "It didn't look good, but I don't think it's as bad as it looked. Again, we'll know more tomorrow."
- One NHL scout in attendance is impressed with Bruins rookie forward Jake DeBrusk. It's only a preseason game, but he's showing the poise and hockey sense of a veteran.
- This was an important game for Goalie Anton Khudobin. Sure, it was only a preseason game but needed to start with a solid performance. He wasn't too rusty and made some timely saves. It was also good that he played the entire game instead of splitting time with Zane McIntyre, which normally happens in the first few preseason games.
- Forward Austin Czarnik was buzzing big time in this game. He finished with two assists but was all over the puck the entire night.
- Attendance for the first preseason game at TD Garden was 16,309.
Second period observations
- Ryan Fitzgerald scored Boston's first goal at 3:45 of the period. His father, former NHLer Tom Fitzgerald, tweeted out a photo before the game with Ryan wearing a Bruins sweater when he was a kid. Tom, a native of Billerica, Mass., played his final season with the Bruins in 2005-06. He's now the assistant GM of the Devils.
- Forward David Krejci is rejuvenated. Sure, it's only his first preseason game but he has a lot of jump in his stride tonight.
- Forward Jake DeBrusk isn't afraid of going to the dirty areas, especially in front of the net, which will bode well if he plays with Krejci and David Pastrnak during the regular season.
- Forward Austin Czarnik showed a heads-up play after he turned over the puck in the defensive end. He stayed on the puck and created a 2-on-1 in transition and the Bruins nearly scored. That play proved crucial because on the same shift, the Bruins drew a penalty and on the delayed call, Boston scored for a 2-0 lead.
- With 11:03 remaining, Red Wings defenseman Brian Lashoff took a wrister from the point and it hit Bruins defenseman Torey Krug in the face. He fell to the ice but was able to skate off the ice on his own and was helped to the locker room by trainer Don DelNegro. Krug did not return for the remainder of the game.
- Someone please tell goalie Anton Khudobin that teams playing in other cities don't need to know when a penalty is expiring at TD Garden. Holy stick slapping.
- The Bruins' Sean Kuraly dropped the gloves with the Red Wings' Luke Glendening late in the period. It wasn't much of a bout but Glendening landed a hard right after Kuraly hit the ice.
- Defenseman Charlie McCoy was caught pinching a couple of times but was able to use his speed and get back to break up a possible odd-man rush.
- Czarnik was awarded a penalty shot with 2:41 remaining in the period and scored to give the Bruins a 3-0 lead. He's having a solid game.
- One NHL scout in attendance is quite impressed with Boston's speed.
- With 3.9 seconds remaining in the period, the Red Wings' Anthony Mantha scored.
First period observations
- DeBrusk is showing his ability to play the 200-foot game. He’s been backchecking and broke up a few plays in the neutral zone.
- McAvoy is jumping up into the play and is so poised with the puck. He nearly scored on a shot from the point.
- Czarnik is buzzing around the ice. He’s making a case for himself so far in camp. He's a smart penalty killer too.
- Coach Bruce Cassidy thought having David Pastrnak and DeBrusk play with Krejci would bring out some youthful energy and so far he’s playing with some jump. Being healthy helps too.
- Having Krejci on the half wall instead of quarterbacking the power play has the potential to be a potent weapon for the Bruins. His ability to creep in and take a one-timer, or dish the puck quickly will keep the PK off-balance.
- Brad Marchand was right about the new faceoff violation rule. It is a joke. It has to be tweaked before the regular season.
- Goalie Anton Khudobin looked sharp, especially on a spectacular pad save on the Red Wings' Martin Frk.
- Defenseman Torey Krug has the potential to have a big season. He just spews confidence.
Lines
Defensive pairings
Goalies
