Final: Bruins 2, Flyers 1 (OT)

The Boston Bruins posted a 2-1 overtime victory over the Philadelphia Flyers in the third preseason game Thursday night at TD Garden. The Bruins will next face the Red Wings on Saturday in Detroit.



Here are some observations from the third period: 

• Kenny Agostino scored the game-winner in OT.


• I've been critical of Ryan Spooner many times in the past, but he was buzzing around this game. He was moving his feet, even without the puck, and was physical. Maybe he realizes the internal competition is real and he's not guaranteed a job out of camp.


• Veteran defenseman Paul Postma is battling for a job. He showcased his big shot when he scored the Bruins' first goal in the third period. It was a cannon from the point. He'll need to be more sound defensively to earn a spot.


• Tuukka Rask appeared to be in midseason form. It was a typical, fundamentally sound performance. He played the entire game as Malcolm Subban served as the backup. Rask was moving free and easy after having offseason hernia surgery.


• Fans are going to like Jesse Gabrielle's style of play, but he committed a dumb penalty late in the third period. He was on the bench when a Flyers player was checked into the boards and his stick entered the bench area. Gabrielle grabbed the stick and wouldn't let it go as play continued. The referee was right there and called Gabrielle for interference and a 10-minute misconduct. That's not how you earn a spot on the roster.


• Colby Cave will be in Providence again this season but he's a work horse. He's the type of player you root for to get a shot in the NHL when the parent club needs help during the regular season.


• Attendance was 16,781

•  Forward Anders Bjork is smart with the puck in tight spaces. He doesn't panic and has the ability to make accurate heads-up passes. He was called for slashing at the end of a long shift, which led to the lazy penalty.


• Defenseman Jeremy Lauzon was engaged in the second period. He was physical and moving players out in front of the net. He's a high-character player.


• Forward Anton Blidh blocked a shot midway through the first period and exited the ice in discomfort and went to the room. He returned for the third period.


• It's only a preseason game, but Rask was sharp after two periods. He has 21 saves and looks as comfortable as ever.

•   Bjork is playing his first game with Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand as lineups. The rookie said prior to the game that he wanted to keep it simple and use his speed to make plays. He was able to do that effectively in the first period. The one thing he needs to work on his getting rid of the puck quicker, especially when he has an opportunity to shoot. Twice in the period he held on too long and the puck was chipped away. He's a solid two-way player and a few times broke up the play in the defensive zone, including a quality scoring chance down low for the Flyers.


• It didn't take long for the Bruins to be called for a faceoff violation. Early in the period, Bergeron was ejected from the circle for jumping too soon, then Marchand was called for the same violation, leading to a minor penalty. Later in the period, Bergeron was tossed again, but this time Marchand stood like a statue, basically giving the opposing centerman a free drop. For the league's sake, hopefully the officials aren't this strict with the rule during the regular season.


• Maybe it's just me, but it appears Zdeno Chara has a longer stride this season. I know that seems kind of ridiculous given his size, but he did work more on his skating this offseason. I'll ask him after the game.


• I've said it before, but fans are going to connect with Jesse Gabrielle. He's a high-energy guy and he was called for an interference penalty only 18 seconds into the game.


• Danton Heinen is strong on the penalty kill.


• With Torey Krug sidelined at least three weeks due to a facial fracture, veteran blueliner Paul Postma has a change to earn a roster spot. He was moving the puck well in the first period.


• Bruce Cassidy wants his goalies to play the puck more this season in order to help the breakout. Rask played the puck four times in the first period.