The Boston Bruins wrapped up their preseason in New York on Thursday night with a win over the New York Rangers. The exhibition season wasn’t exactly stellar for Boston as they finished 2-2-2, but there were many developments as the Bruins continued to move on with life after Patrice Bergeron. As the season opens on Wednesday at TD Garden against Connor Bedard and a rebuilding Chicago Blackhawks team, we learned three things from Boston’s training camp and preseason.
Matthew Poitras Belongs in the NHL Now
The second-round pick in 2022 entered camp with an opportunity to see what life is like in the National Hockey League. The Guelph Storm center tallied 79 assists in the Ontario Hockey League last season as he continued to show an impressive offensive skill set and playmaking ability. But what was about to happen in the preseason playing with pro teammates was not to be expected, at least not this year. Poitras would lead the Bruins with six points overall and score goals in three different games.
While playing with David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand at different times, Poitras showed great poise and a high compete level as he received time on the power play and penalty kill. Poitras would also hold his own on the faceoff dot as well. The London, Ontario, native is quickly becoming a household name and should make the opening night roster.
Related Article: Brad Marchand Compares Matthew Poitras To NHL Star
Mason Lohrei Showed Enormous Potential
The big defenseman is a gifted offensive player and has really improved his defensive awareness and positioning. Lohrei played heavy minutes in the preseason for Boston and is making veteran Derek Forbort sweat a little as the two fight for a spot in the opening night lineup. Lohrei also scored a goal in a 5-4 overtime loss to Washington and looked very comfortable and confident playing with Charlie McAvoy. Lohrei looks ready to take a roster spot as well, which bodes well for General Manager Don Sweeney’s recent drafts.
Related Article: Bruins Prospect Profile: Mason Lohrei
The Bruins Might Start Slow
Boston is still looking to transition from the losses of Bergeron and David Krejci, as well as the departures of Taylor Hall and Tyler Bertuzzi. If Poitras can continue to provide offense early in the season, Boston should be in a good spot. But in most preseason games, the Bruins were outshot and had trouble generating sustained offense. There are a few new faces in the locker room, and it might take time for this team to gel under Jim Montgomery. Bruins fans might find out that their team might be better in January than they are now.
The Bruins will open their centennial season on Wednesday night in Boston against the Blackhawks. Bedard has five points with a game remaining in the preseason.
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