Young players look to make their mark
Get first preseason NHL taste
NEWARK, N.J. — Roster spots are up for grabs, and there are young players who have a legitimate shot at cracking the Bruins roster and playing a significant role.
For some of them, Monday in New Jersey was their first time playing in an NHL contest. For others, they got a taste at training camp a year ago.
Kyle Keyser was a standout, stopping all 17 shots he saw, while Jack Studnicka tallied a late, game-tying goal.
There still is a long way to go.
“There’s a few who have been here, but not very long,” Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said. “They’re trying to figure out how to play against good players, NHL players. … I just think typically, to generalize, they don’t manage the puck well. They’re not hard on it, and when you’re soft on it in the NHL, you’re going to pay the price.”
The Bruins — though most of their regular roster players didn’t make the trip to Newark — had some of the same blips as a year ago, such as allowing a shorthanded breakaway and getting caught with too many men on the ice, and they allowed the overtime goal early in the extra frame.
Early on, some of the mistakes in the defensive zone forced Keyser to make tough saves when the B’s didn’t clear the goalmouth, but there still is plenty of time left in preseason.
For young players looking to make an impression, though, those are the kind of things to watch.
Andersson competes
Axel Andersson is just 19 years old, but already in his second season of getting into preseason contests with the Bruins. He took three shots and played more than 19 minutes Monday night.
“I gained a lot of experience last year, and think I’m more comfortable now,” he said following the overtime loss to the Devils.
Andersson has taken a step since showing up a year ago, and it has opened the eyes of the coaching staff, too.
“I liked his compete,” Cassidy said. “He’s on top of people, he’s not afraid to engage. As a 19-year-old, it’s always good to see he’s not intimidated by his surroundings. He just wants to go out and play hockey. Of course he’s got to learn some things and he’s going to be playing against men, it’s going to be hard for him, but I like that he just plays. He has good instincts for the game.”
Steen’s strength
Oskar Steen scored and drew a penalty as one of the standout players Monday. He’s a bit of a wild card in the mix as the Bruins seek a right winger, but strong preseason showings only can help his case.
“I just like the play he made, he separated in the neutral zone and took the ice in front of him and attacked,” Cassidy said. “Young guys come in, and he’s a good example, his first go-around at least in North America. … A little bit tentative early on and you have to prod them to just play hockey. Forget who you’re playing against and go out and do what you do best. I think he did a lot more of that.”
Wagner feels good
Chris Wagner played in his first game since injuring his forearm in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, and said he has no restrictions.
He took a hit on his first shift, which got him back into it, but he wasn’t too worried going back into game action.
“That was the first time I took a hit, and my first shift, too,” he said. “I didn’t block any shots. (But) I wasn’t thinking about (the injury).”