BSJ Game Report: Bruins 2, Capitals 1 (SO) - Lauko, McIntyre stand out; Heinen scores winner

Everything you need to know from the Bruins’ victory over the Capitals in quickie form, with BSJ insight and analysis:

BOX SCORE

HEADLINES

Lauko impressed all around: It’s always interesting to see what rookies can bring to the table when they get their first taste of the NHL, even if it’s only a preseason game. It’s safe to say that Jakub Lauko – the B’s No. 77 overall pick in June – passed his first test.

The 18-year-old Czech native scored the team’s lone goal of regulation while registering three hits and blocking two shots, including a slapper from the point in the first period. He left an impression in more ways than one, according to assistant coach Joe Sacco.

“He played hard, played well, and didn’t really seem fazed by anything out there,” Sacco said. “Scoring a goal was obviously a bonus, but just the way he played the game, it was a good start for him.”

The goal, which came with 2:59 left in the first, was a strong effort itself as he followed up a blocked shot in the slot and whipped the puck past Caps goalie Phoenix Copley, who made 21 saves over the first 32:05.

“I’m trying to stay here, and I’m giving everything for that,” said Lauko, who was also bumped up to play with veteran David Krejci for a few shifts. “(Scoring a goal) was a great feeling. I didn’t know what to do after that.”

https://twitter.com/NHLBruins/status/1041418180219035653

Heinen, Krejci pair up: With half the team in China for a bit longer, today’s game offered a great look at the potential center-winger duo of Krejci and Danton Heinen, who scored the lone goal of the shootout. North Reading’s Ryan Fitzgerald skated on their left side.

Time and space were aplenty for Krejci in a game that was dominated by youngsters. He helped to set up his two linemates for three shots apiece, though recording just one himself.

“I thought we created lots of chances, especially in the first period,” Krejci said. “We could have easily had a few goals, but that’s how it goes. It’s not really much about goals now as much as getting in good habits.”

It’s a combination we should see more of as camp continues.

THREE UP

Zane McIntyre: The Bruins’ netminder was strong when they needed him to be.

The fourth-year pro was called to make 11 of his 22 saves during the third period and overtime before securing the victory with a perfect shootout. A stop on former Bruin Brett Connolly in transition in the back half of the third helped send the game to extra time, as did one on Jayson Megna’s clean breakaway back in the first. Connolly ripped the lone Capitals goal off the crossbar at 17:25 of the second.

Getting the season's first action in is crucial for any player, but especially a goaltender who had not played competitively since finishing last season with AHL Providence.

“During the second half of the first period, we started initiating the play a little bit more but there was maybe a feeling-out process between the two teams,” McIntyre said. “At the same time, too, guys are competing for jobs, which I think raises the tempo within the team. “We're building towards the regular season, so it's good to get these reps in game situations.”

Defensive effort: McIntyre’s workload was cut down significantly thanks to some stingy work in front. Led by a top pairing of captain Zdeno Chara and youngster Axel Andersson, the Bruins did not allow more than seven shots in any period and just 17 in total before the five-minute overtime.

Sacco also left the Boston-based preseason squad’s debut impressed with Andersson, who was Boston’s top draft selection with the No. 57 pick back in June. He had two shots on goal, while second-year pro Jeremy Lauzon had a team-leading four from the back.

“I thought he played similar as Lauko. I thought the two of them played well for young kids,” Sacco said of Andersson. “He seemed really poised back there, wasn’t nervous, went back for pucks. Even when the pressure came on him a few times, he didn’t seem to back off.”

Chara was thrown right into the fire, too. He led the Bruins with 23:18 of ice time while helping his rookie partner along nicely. “He’s such a role model,” Andersson said of the B’s captain. “He’s great on and off the ice, so he made me comfortable.”

Gritty finish: Despite controlling play through regulation, the result could have been a negative one for the Bruins as they were called for two penalties during overtime.

Fitzgerald was whistled for tripping before a too many men call put the Bruins in a two-man hole with just over two minutes to play in the frame, but they held on strong to keep the game tied as McIntyre made five saves during overtime. Heinen wound up scoring the lone shootout goal as he deked to the backhand and slid the puck past outstretched Caps netminder Vitek Vanecek.

https://twitter.com/mkmolnar/status/1041412525785604096

 

Not everyone on the ice will be wearing the Black and Gold come October, but it’s good to see the stick-to-it attitude make an early appearance en route to a win.

TWO DOWN

Finishing: Copley and Vanecek were strong in holding the Bruins to just one goal on 34 shots, but there were opportunities you’d like to see finished. This one could have gotten out of hand rather quickly.

Lauko sent German veteran Marcel Noebels in on a break at the beginning of the second period, but he was unable to tuck the puck behind Copley and inside the post after, perhaps, a little too much stick work after he drove down the slot.

Connor Clifton: On an individual note, it was a tough afternoon for the Quinnipiac University product who is entering his first full season with the B’s. Signed as a free agent back in May, the New Jersey native defenseman was credited with four giveaways and had three of his shot attempts blocked in the game.

He did give out three hits and block a shot, but I’m sure a rookie looking to make an impression on Don Sweeney and the Bruins brass would like to have shown much better overall.

UP NEXT

The Bruins have two days on the ice at Warrior Ice Arena upcoming before they hit the road for a Tuesday night rematch with the Capitals in D.C.