Five Takeaways From the Boston Bruins 6-4 Win Over Montreal

Photo via Boston Bruins

After a disappointing effort in the season opener against the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers on Tuesday night, the Boston Bruins returned home for a matchup with their longtime rival Montreal Canadiens, the first home opening game against Montreal since 2005. Boston rebounded with a 6-4 win and displayed some of the pace and urgency that Head Coach Jim Montgomery thought was lacking in the first game. The Bruins outshot Montreal 29-24 and answered a late Montreal rally with a Mark Kastelic goal, his second of the game, to seal the victory for goaltender Jeremy Swayman, who made his season debut. Here are five takeaways from a much-needed early-season win:

The Bruins set the tone early with a noticeable jump

The comments from Montgomery seemed to resonate with the team as the Marchad-Coyle-Geekie line started the game with a dominant shift, resulting in a Montreal penalty. Hampus Lindholm appeared to score the first goal of the game, but a goaltender interference penalty by Justin Brazeau wiped it off the board. However, the Bruins came out with more conviction and a better pace of play and started the game “on time.”

Charlie McAvoy was Charlie McAvoy again

The Bruins defenseman was physical and had a shot-first mentality that led to a goal, his first of the season. McAvoy was more noticeable in a good way and played more like the $9.5 million defenseman that the Bruins need him to be. There were a couple of miscues, but for the most part, McAvoy was stout and a difference-maker offensively as well. In just under 23 minutes of ice time, McAvoy finished with three shots, two hits, and a blocked shot.

The fourth line continues to excel

Kastelic scored two goals, and Cole Koepke scored one goal and two assists in just 7:20 of ice time. Each member of the line posted a plus-3 and has become an early-season strength of the team. Kastelic, Koepke, and John Beecher also combined for seven hits and made the most of their ice time. Koepke has been a nice surprise so far and the unit could be a factor for weeks to come.

Jeremy Swayman gets some game-action

After a much-publicized contract dispute with the team, Swayman made his first start and allowed three even-strength goals. Most of the goals were not necessarily his fault, as Cole Caufield scored at the post unguarded, and Josh Anderson tipped home a point shot from the high slot. Swayman finished with a .833 save percentage but did make a couple of sparkling saves and got into a short dust-up with Montreal forward Nick Suzuki in the crease.

The Bruins defense still has some improvements to make

Caufield was left unmarked for a goal, and there are some coverage mishaps from the Bruins defensemen that need to be cleaned up. Brandon Carlo has not played to his capability in the first two games as he gets back into a rhythm. Carlo did have two assists but his zone exits and decisions with the puck have been suspect. Mason Lohrei was a scratch Thursday night after a minus-3 effort on Tuesday. Nikita Zadorov was better against Montreal and delivered two vicious hits as he was moved to pair with McAvoy. Look for this group to continue to improve and be a strength of the team long term.

Season 4. Episode 10. Monty Out. Sacco In. Bruins Benders Podcast

The Benders break down Jim Montgomery’s firing. What happens next? Brandon Carlo to Columbus? What are the feelings on Joe Sacco and does he get a legit chance? Reported hard feelings involving Jeremy Swayman?DraftKings Sportsbook – Boston’s hometown Sportsbook is LIVE right here in Massachusetts! Bet local on all your favorite sports from the comfort of your own home with DraftKings. To celebrate, ALL new customers will receive up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS bets when you sign up for DraftKings Sportsbook using code ITR! You can now bet local on money lines, spreads, props, and more with one of America’s top-rated Sportsbooks – DraftKings Sportsbook!  Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app and sign up with code ITR to get up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS bets to use now that mobile sports betting is live in Massachusetts. That’s code ITR only at DraftKings Sportsbook. If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, call 800 327-5050 or visit helplineMA.org to speak with a trained specialist, free and confidentially, twenty four seven. 21+. Physically present in MA. Eligibility restrictions apply. Subjects to regulatory licensing requirements. Eligibility and deposit restrictions apply. Opt in required. Bonus issued as free bets. Terms at draftkings.com/MA.
  1. Season 4. Episode 10. Monty Out. Sacco In.
  2. Season 4. Episode 9. Pasta Been Hurt
  3. Season 4. Episode 8. Halloween Night Murder
  4. Season 4. Episode 7. The Bruins Are Broken.
  5. Season 4. Episode 6. Searching For Answers

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