Stempniak, Cehlarik effort up
BRUINS NOTEBOOK
PHILADELPHIA — Facing a team with many of its regulars in the lineup, the Bruins were able to hang on last night for a 4-3 win over the Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center.
The B’s scored the first four goals before the Flyers rallied with three goals in less than three minutes in the third period, but the hosts could not get the equalizer. Daniel Vladar (34 saves) picked up his second win in as many preseason starts.
The B’s were led by veteran Lee Stempniak and 23-year-old Peter Cehlarik. Stempniak had the gamewinning goal and added two assists while Cehlarik scored the first goal, assisted on another and created the pressure to allow Stempniak to score.
B’s coach Bruce Cassidy would not rule out Stempniak from making the team.
“He could,” said Cassidy. “He’s come in here and done what we’ve asked him to do, which is make plays, have composure, make good decisions with the puck and still be a good 200-foot player. He’s done that. We’ve seen some young mistakes out of our young players that we’re going to allow them to play through. But at the same token, we’ll have to address what’s best for the club. Is it youth or a proven guy? And generally it’s been youth around here if they bounce back. So we’ll see over the next couple of games.”
Stempniak, 35, skated on a line with Cehlarik and center Trent Frederic.
“I thought as a line we were skating well early, not so much in the second and more in the third,” said Stempniak. “For me it was a good opportunity to play with two good players. They’re big guys and strong on pucks and pretty offensive.”
Cassidy also liked the play of the lanky Cehlarik, who jammed home a rebound of a Stempniak shot to start the scoring.
“He was good at the top of the crease, big body. He’s got a good stick on the forecheck,” said Cassidy. “We’ve always liked him from the top of the circles down, and when he’s moving his feet and creating forecheck turnovers, that’s where he can really help us because he’s got a good stick. I thought he was very good.”
Vladar was at his best in the second period when he stopped all 18 shots.
“He’s a gamer in there. He battles,” said Cassidy. “The goals they scored it’s hard to fault him on, maybe the last one he committed first, but other than that, he made big saves and he’s done his job.”
Brandon Carlo scored and had a strong game paired with Urho Vaakanainen on the blue line. Carlo had a team-high five shots on net.
“I thought he was excellent, skating up and down the ice well. He missed an assignment on the (power play) on the (Claude) Giroux goal that we’ll readdress with what our responsibilities are. But other than that, I thought he was excellent,” said Cassidy.
Tough game
Ryan Donato, who was very good in China, had a rough game. He missed an assignment on the backcheck on the first shift and then turned the puck over in the neutral zone on the power play that led to Dale Weise’s shorthanded goal.
His center, Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson, had no shots on net and was not very noticeable . . . .
Chris Wagner scored on a shorthanded breakaway that was set up by a nice pass from defenseman Jeremy Lauzon.
Senyshyn sent down
It was no surprise that Zach Senyshyn, one of the B’s three first-round picks in 2015, was sent to AHL Providence.
“What happened down in Providence last year was that they tried to complete his game, make him a 200foot player, incorporated some penalty kill,” said Cassidy. “Now we want to see some of the other side as well, the offensive flair. He scored a couple in Washington. I think he had (11) shots in his three games, so clearly he’s getting to the net, getting his opportunities. So, yes, I have seen progress. The message from me was: ‘You’re going to be down there and this is pro now. You’re competing to be the best player down there to get called up. Your focus has to be on getting better in all areas and getting your opportunities.’
“Hopefully with a year under his belt he understands that. He’s a good kid, he’s a smart kid in terms of what he needs to do better. I think he gets it.”
Also, defenseman Axel Andersson, who had a good first camp, was returned to his Swedish team, Djurgarden. Forwards Cameron Hughes, Joona Koppanen and Tanner Pond and defenseman Emil Johansson were assigned to Providence . . . .
Patrice Bergeron, Ryan Fitzgerald and Jakub Zboril skated in the morning, and there’s a chance they play in Saturday’s preseason finale against the Flyers.