The Bruins kicked off their six-game preseason slate with a 3-2 shootout win in Washington over the Capitals on Wednesday.
Here are four thoughts from the contest
Jake DeBrusk gets a confidence boost
Like many, I thought Jake DeBrusk had played his last game as a Bruin last season when their season came to an end against the Islanders. With the Bruins putting a focus on their offensive depth through free agency, it sure felt like DeBrusk was on his way out as trade rumors continued to swirl.
But nothing came to fruition and DeBrusk is still in Boston looking for a bounce back year after last season’s struggles both on and off the ice.
For DeBrusk, his days of top-six minutes are a thing of the past. Penciled into the left side of the Bruins third line, DeBrusk’s spot in the lineup is no lock. His playing time, and spot in the lineup is ultimately up to him.
You don’t want to read into preseason games too much, get too high, or too low based off what you see during these six hockey games. But, DeBrusk’s performance in Sunday’s contest was a welcoming sight and surely a confidence booster for the forward.
DeBrusk scored once in regulation and notched the game winner in the shootout.
"The first game back is always a bit interesting. Personally, it took me a little bit more time than I thought to get used to being back playing at that pace,… said DeBrusk. “At the same time, obviously positives. Anytime the puck goes in the net it's always nice. It is just preseason, but it's nice to help the team win."
If anyone on the Bruins roster needs a good preseason, it’s DeBrusk. Sunday was the perfect start.
"It's important for him. Some guys, I think, it probably matters a little more, some guys are fine tuning their games in different ways,… said head coach Bruce Cassidy. “For him, when he produces, he always feels better about himself. He's around the puck. The way he scored going to the net, I think those are good positive signs for him.…
Jeremy Swayman picks up where he left off
The Bruins rookie got the nod between the pipes Sunday, backstopping the Bruins for 30:11 before Troy Grosenick took over for the second half of the contest.
Swayman allowed one goal on 19 shots, but looked very calm in net, forced to make a couple of tough saves. While questions may continue about the legitimacy of Swayman's run last season, it's easy to get excited about what the youngster has brought to the table.
With the Bruins brining in Linus Ullmark from Buffalo in the off-season, while the unsigned Tuukka Rask continues to rehab from off-season hip surgery, it sure looks as if Swayman is ready to take on the job as the Bruins top goalie.
Erik Haula’s first impression
Expected to center DeBrusk on the Bruins new-look third line, Haula had a nice Bruins debut Sunday, giving the Bruins a 2-1 lead on a tipped puck that came from defenseman John Moore.
On the play, Haula won the offensive zone draw, took himself to the Capitals net and put him self in a position to redirect Moore’s point shot.
"He was good in the circle, obviously led to a goal, a faceoff win,… said Cassidy. “I just think all around it was a good night for him, good way to get going, first game for Boston.…
Haula won 17 of 24 faceoffs, played 3:39 of power play time and 1:36 of power play time.
John Moore leaves his mark
John Moore’s role for the upcoming season is a bit muddy. Pegged as a depth veteran option for the team, Moore made an immediate impact Sunday, his first game action since late February.
The veteran picked up a pair of assists and logged 21:21 of ice time, only trailing Connor Clifton and Urho Vaakanainen in that department.
"He's [Moore] a guy that is in a battle for playing time this year. These games are important to him. Most veterans like that, it's more about sharpening your game, getting ready for opening night,… said Cassidy.
“But he's in a little bit of a different situation. He missed time as you said, a lot of time. And he is in a battle for a spot, so these games are of more value.…
If anything, Moore back healthy and getting off to a good start should improve the competition on the Bruins blueline, as Moore joins Clifton, Vaakanainen and Jakub Zboril in a competition for a bottom pairing role on the Bruins blueline.