The Boston Bruins began their preseason road on Sunday with a 3-2 loss to the New York Rangers at TD Garden.
Although Boston was unable to pull off the win despite having many young players on the ice, Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery outlined the tendencies he hoped to see on the ice ahead of the regular season.
“I was pleased with the way training camp went for the most part,” Montgomery told NESN’s Andy Brickley after the game. “I thought today’s game in particular highlighted some individual players. We saw some moments, especially in the second period, where we forechecked really well. Really good O-zone play.”
The Bruins’ individual performances also attracted attention. Trevor Kuntar scored with good positioning, while Parker Wotherspoon set the tone physically.
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“I thought it was really good,” Kuntar told reporters, according to NESN’s postgame coverage. “It was definitely nice to play two preseason games last year in a full pro year. I don’t think it was anything I hadn’t experienced before. I definitely felt good. I felt like I got better as the game went on. I thought my teammates and I really gelled well and just made it work.”
“It doesn’t change my mindset,” Wotherspoon told reporters, according to NESN’s postgame coverage. “I’m going to come in here, play hard and just compete.”
At the end of the first 60 minutes of the preseason, the Bruins have a checklist to work on as they develop together for another exciting season.
“My focus is on how well we get into the identity that we think is going to define us,” Montgomery added. “How well do we get reps and are we really good at checking and really good at our offensive game.”
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Here are more notes from the Rangers’ preseason game against the Bruins on Sunday:
— Boston had an early opportunity with a five-on-three power play in the first five minutes of the game. The Bruins were unable to capitalize on the power play on Sunday.
– The Bruins had 28-22 more shots on goal than the Rangers.
– Boston and New York will play each other three times during the regular season, after the break into 2025, on January 2, February 1 and February 5.
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— Brandon Bussi started goaltending for Boston on Sunday night, which will make a difference given Jeremy Swayman’s current contract situation. Bussi stopped 10 of 12 shots he faced for the Bruins against the Rangers.
— Boston also had the advantage in face-offs, winning 52.7% from the point.
— The Bruins return to preseason action Tuesday when they host the Washington Capitals at TD Garden. Puck drops at 7 p.m. ET. You can watch the game on NESN+.
