Bruins

Hockey is sort of back in Boston.

While the Bruins' full squad isn’t expected to return to training camp until September 18, several regular players have already hit the ice at Warrior Ice Arena as a part of the captain's training sessions organized by the players.

It's an exciting first step at the beginning of any recent NHL season as players begin to shake off the rust of the offseason. Boston's 2024-25 roster includes many recent faces and younger players trying to tackle greater roles in the longer term.

As on-ice training intensifies in the approaching weeks, here's a take a look at five lineup and roster battles value keeping track of once training camp begins.

Second line right wing

The Bruins used most of their financial flexibility within the offseason to sign a top center in Elias Lindholm, an imposing defenseman in Nikita Zadorov and a few sluggers for the fourth line in Max Jones.

However, since the Bruins also had to save lots of a ton of cash to provide Jeremy Swayman a big raise, Boston was unable to sign a top-6 winger to interchange Jake DeBrusk this summer.

As polarizing as DeBrusk could also be for some Bruins fans, he was a reliable winger who scored 20 goals and developed right into a very strong forward and backward player in Boston – making him a reliable player in Jim Montgomery's system.

While the Bruins' first line of Lindholm, David Pastrnak and Pavel Zacha is kind of promising, it stays to be seen who will complete the second line of experienced players, which can likely include Charlie Coyle and Brad Marchand.

While the Bruins could determine to easily promote a longtime NHL player like Morgan Geekie or Trent Frederic to fill that spot in the highest six, Boston's depth would profit from keeping those two forwards further back within the lineup to reap the benefits of potential opponents.

The best-case scenario for Boston could be for 21-year-old Fabian Lysell to fill that key position within the lineup, giving the team an especially talented and cheap player who could help alongside Coyle and Marchand on offense.

Lysell has been consistently knocking around for NHL representation over the past 12 months and Boston should give him every opportunity this preseason to earn his spot with the massive club.

In addition to Lysell, the Bruins could also consider an experienced player with a paid contract like Tyler Johnson to fill that role, although Lysell actually has the higher odds.

A powerful training camp from Lysell would make it much easier for Jim Montgomery, Don Sweeney and the remaining of the Boston team to place the puzzle pieces together up front.

Substitute goalkeeper

There is little doubt that probably the most pressing query remaining for the Bruins is when the team and Swayman will finalize a brand new contract.

But there remains to be a number of uncertainty in regards to the remainder of Boston's newly formed goaltending corps now that Linus Ullmark is manning the online in Ottawa.

While the Bruins have done all the things right regarding veteran Joonas Korpisalo and his possibilities of orchestrating a comeback season in Boston, the presence of Brandon Bussi poses an interesting conundrum.

If you focus solely on asset management, there may be an excellent case for Bussi to start out the 12 months with the Bruins and Korpisalo to be released and sent to Providence – assuming each goalies are evenly matched within the preseason.

After two promising seasons in Providence, Bussi seemed destined for NHL representation before Korpisalo was added within the Ullmark trade. And with Bussi not exempt from waiver, the Bruins risk losing a solid young goalie for nothing in the event that they send him to Providence and check out to play with Korpisalo.

Even though the Bruins are banking on Korpisalo's potential, things could get interesting if Bussi performs well within the preseason. If the Bruins do indeed place Korpisalo on waivers, it's unlikely any team will take him on his current contract, so Boston could save a little bit of money ($1.15 million) by stashing him within the AHL.

This goalie battle could resolve itself if certainly one of Bussi/Korpisalo completely outdoes the opposite in the approaching weeks. But what if it's close? Then the Bruins will face a difficult decision.

Third Line Center

Just as Lysell secured a spot on the 2RW position, the Bruins would really like to see Matthew Poitras dominate within the preseason and emerge victorious within the battle for third-line center spots.

The 20-year-old center exceeded expectations by making the NHL roster straight from training camp last fall, scoring 13 points in his first 27 games and averaging 14:06 minutes on the ice per game.

As the season progressed, nevertheless, the rookie hit a dead end. His expected problems were compounded by a shoulder injury he suffered in a game against the Coyotes on December 9. After that game, Poitras played eight more games, scoring three points and averaging 11:18 minutes on the ice before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery.

Now that he's healthy again, the stronger Poitras needs to be able to construct on his performances from last season. But if the Bruins feel he still needs more experience in Providence, the team now has the choice (unlike last 12 months) to send him to the AHL to work on his skills and construct his confidence against weaker opponents.

If Poitras struggles a bit early on, giving him 10 to fifteen games in the primary line and lots of power play in Providence is an excellent option to get him back on course.

Another promising player trying to carve out a job for himself within the NHL is Georgii Merkulov, who could also compete for the 3C spot. His age (he turns 24 on October 10) and established performance in Providence (65 points in 67 games) make him an asset, as he appears to have already made probably the most of his time within the AHL.

Tyler Johnson – a natural midfielder – is the following man in line for some minutes in the center, while Montgomery can even turn to Geekie or Frederic to take over the centre position if needed.

Fourth line

Montgomery and Co. shouldn’t have any shortage of options relating to forming a nimble but physical fourth line.

Max Jones, Mark Kastelic and Johnny Beecher would make a robust checking unit trio, especially since each Kastelic and Beecher excel on faceoffs. Justin Brazeau could also get a likelihood on that line, although it may well be argued that if he impresses during practice, he should compete more for minutes on the third line.

As with any training camp, the Bruins can have to organize for a number of young players attempting to get some NHL minutes. Woburn's Riley Duran is anticipated to be a future starter on the fourth line in the end.

Reshuffle of the D Corps

On paper, the Bruins' six-man formation on the blue line appears to be set with Charlie McAvoy, Zadorov, Hampus Lindholm, Brandon Carlo, Mason Lohrei and Andrew Peeke.

It stays to be seen how exactly Montgomery and his team organize this six-man unit, with Zadorov offering plenty of pleasure as a physical (and puck-moving) addition to the highest pairing alongside McAvoy. If Zadorov doesn't gel with McAvoy, Boston's D-corps could face a more drastic shakeup that might split the Lindholm-Carlo pairing.

Zadorov's presence higher up the order gives Boston the luxurious of slowly integrating Lohrei right into a full-time NHL role on the third pair of defense while also allowing him playing time on the second power play unit.

But Lohrei doesn’t enter training camp expecting to be given playing time.

“It's never easy,” Lohrei said last month. “You always have to work for it, you have to earn it. So it's a new year and of course you go to training camp – I don't even know how many defensemen come to training camp. But everyone wants to make the team, right?”

“So I have to show up and just do my best to play and do what I do. It's only year two. So I'm excited and just want to go out there and prove what I can do and I plan to keep improving.”

Both Lohrei and Peeke had impressive performances in Boston's second-round exit to the Panthers in May, but Parker Wotherspoon may also look to pressure each players to earn regular playing time.

Bruins

SUNRISE, Fla. – The Boston Bruins arrived in South Florida hoping to hold the momentum from their last thrilling win in Game 7 two nights ago against the Toronto Maple Leafs. But with a two-day break in Round 2 against the Panthers, expect a fast change.

The tight schedule isn't the one twist the Bruins will face in Monday's series opener.

In fact, there have been a handful of developments during Monday's skating that involved potential lineup changes and a member of the Bruins entering fatherhood for the primary time. Let's dive into the important thing talking points following Boston's pre-series practice at Amerant Bank Arena.

Bruins 'hopeful' Brandon Carlo joins his 'crew' as recent addition

Coach Montgomery on tonight's Game 1 lineup: “We're very hopeful.” [Brandon Carlo arrives from Boston]. I'm not quite sure about that yet…[Andrew Peeke and Danton Heinen are] They come closer and take steps. Not here yet. Ruled out for tonight. pic.twitter.com/LfaERdkGpA

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) May 6, 2024

Brandon Carlo stayed in Boston just hours after Game 7 with a newborn on the way in which. Early Monday morning, Carlo and his wife Mayson welcomed a baby boy into the world.

“First of all,” said head coach Jim Montgomery, “I want to congratulate Brandon and Mayson on the new addition to their Crew family.”

While Carlo was at home caring for the most recent member of his family, the Bruins rotated their second and third defensive duos throughout the morning rush.

Parker Wotherspoon moved into the second pair alongside Hampus Lindholm. The latter turned in one among his best 200-foot performances of the season in Game 7, highlighted by his equalizer within the third and his deft assist on David Pastrnak's game-winning goal in time beyond regulation.

Derek Forbort took Wotherspoon's spot on Boston's third pair alongside Kevin Shattenkirk. Forbort was recently cleared for full-contact play by the Bruins' training staff after recovering surprisingly quickly from surgery that repaired several nagging injuries.

Andrew Peeke continues to make progress after suffering a lower-body injury in Game 2 against the Leafs, however the Florida blueliner will not be an option for Monday.

Matt Grzelcyk, who last skated in Game 5, joins Forbort as a possible substitute for Carlo. Montgomery had no definitive information on Carlo's status for Game 1 against Florida, but stays “hopeful” he’ll rejoin his Boston teammates before the scheduled puck drop at 8 p.m.

Patrick Brown goes from Game 7 spectator to potential fourth-line contributor.

Like the remaining of the hub, Brown remained on tenterhooks, riding off the emotions of Boston's Game 7 win.

The very next day, Brown received a call from Don Sweeney confirming his emergency promotion from Providence.

“That was a great game,” Brown said. “I watched. I had goosebumps watching it so long ago. I think you know it's a great motivator and we play for each other and we've seen that in the wins and losses this year.”

Brown must also feel motivated by his recent stints in Providence.

The veteran forward picked up points in his last seven games, including three in the primary two Calder Cup playoff games of the Baby B's Atlantic Division semifinal series against Hartford.

Brown replaced Jesper Boqvist as centerman on Boston's fourth line alongside Johnny Beecher, who frolicked together on a line in Providence earlier this 12 months, and Pat Maroon on rushes at the road.

“The execution, his play, every time he's played for us is tremendous, right?” Montgomery said of Brown. “The second and third attempts, he is strong with pucks, wins a lot of battles and he showed how we want to play. He knows exactly what we are doing in every situation.”

The pre-season plan for Boston's goalie rotation continues.

The Bruins stuck with their goalie rotation early in the primary round. But after one other standout performance from Game 1 starter Jeremy Swayman in Game 3, the B's ran the fourth-year goaltender through the rest of the Toronto series.

They had every reason to alter their plans regarding Swayman and Linus Ullmark. And Swayman made essentially the most of his future, allowing just nine goals in his six starts against the Maple Leafs.

Now, They have every reason to present Swayman a breather.

Ullmark hasn't began yet since game 2 against Toronto two weeks ago. But the Panthers also enter Game 1 slightly rusty after securing their series win over the Tampa Bay Lightning last Monday.

Like Swayman against the Leafs, Ullmark delivered excellent results against Florida within the regular season. After scuffling with wear and tear within the second half of the first-round game last 12 months, the Swede posted a .947 save percentage and went an ideal 3-0 against the Panthers.

But if morning developments are to be believed, the Bruins could go right back to Swayman. He was the primary to go away the ice after the morning skating, while Ullmark remained on the ice with the extra skaters.

Montgomery wouldn’t commit to naming his Game 1 starter. But like within the lead-up to the Toronto series, they’ve an idea upfront of how they will handle Swayman and Ullmark's workload.

“Well, you know, we've always said we have a plan, and that goes for this series too,” Montgomery said. “It's the same plan we had and we should know that there is something to consider with the number of games we play. And the fact that neither goaltender has played that many games in such a short period of time, plus the added adrenaline and emotion of the Stanley Cup playoffs, all factors played a role in our decision.”

The Red Sox used three pitchers in comparison with five for the Giants, however the story was the hitting.

An evening after the shutout, San Francisco scored one hit after the fourth inning and five total in a 6-2 loss. Many of the Giants' at-bats were competitive, producing hard-hit balls but not enough found grass. San Francisco posted the three best exit velocities of the night, but didn't have much to point out for it.

The Giants (14-17) are 5-10 on the road this 12 months and may very well be defeated on Thursday at Fenway Park.

“Today, really the last couple of games, there were some good swings,” manager Bob Melvin told reporters after the sport. “It’s frustrating – it’s about results and we’re not getting the results yet.”

“We’re just not strong enough to put pressure on the teams,” Melvin added. “Either we go down quickly, or we’re behind in counts and we just can’t hit good counts.”

For his first home run as a Giant, Tom Murphy climbed the Green Monster with a line shot off a dangling slider. Murphy's 407-foot solo shot left his stick at 106.4 mph.

The Giants signed the veteran catcher to enhance offense-first player Patrick Bailey. But before Wednesday, he was hitting .074 in 10 games — considered one of many Giants who had a slow April.

Murphy's sudden hit ended an early scoreless stalemate as Red Sox starter Kutter Crawford began the night with an American League-leading 1.35 ERA and looked good. Former Giants pitching coach Andrew Bailey did an amazing job with Crawford and the remaining of the Boston team.

The Giants have struggled to fill Blake Snell's spot within the rotation – either with the reigning National League Cy Young winner on the mound or with another.

“It wasn’t good on that particular corner,” Melvin said. “If we win half of these games, it’s a little different at this point. But the fact is that this turnaround in the rotation was a difficult matter.”

At Fenway Park, San Francisco implemented the opening strategy, starting left-hander Erik Miller against the left-heavy top of Boston's lineup. The Giants considered drafting Mason Black, who has a minuscule ERA in Triple-A, but as a substitute drafted Daulton Jeffries as the first player.

Miller earned consecutive walks for a scoreless first inning. Jeffries got the higher of the leader within the second period, but additionally escaped with a scoreless frame.

But when Jeffries allowed an infield single to start out the third inning, the Red Sox were on their third leadoff man in as many innings. You should collect money.

Jeffries was victimized by the Monster on a double hit by Rafael Devers, who was thrown off the wall with an expected batting average of .010. But Devers' moonball scored considered one of two Boston runs within the third, putting San Francisco behind 2-1.

A cheeky two-out bunt by Mike Yastrzemski with runners on second and third provided the decisive point within the fourth. For the outfielder, playing at Fenway Park, where his grandfather became an inside circle Hall of Famer, is at all times special, as is his baseball IQ

But Boston responded immediately by once more using the leadoff man against Jeffries and once more using the monster to drive him into the goal. Then a stand-up triple from Jarren Duran made it 4-2.

The Giants offense needs all the assistance it may possibly get, and there was little in Boston. Jung Hoo Lee's lineout within the fifth round would have left 14 of 30 furlongs. Immediately after that loud exclamation, Jorge Soler slammed his racket over his leg in frustration as his 110.7 mph punch landed squarely in Devers' glove.

Boston prolonged its lead with a run off Taylor Rogers and Luke Jackson because the Giants' bullpen ran out of options in the center inning. Recently signed Mitch White also delivered a run within the seventh with a two-out double against catcher Connor Wong.

The Red Sox also could have scored more; They went 4-for-16 with runners in scoring position.

Meanwhile, Crawford held the Giants hitless within the fifth, sixth and seventh innings. San Francisco also went down so as within the eighth round, despite one other hard-hit ball from Lee, extending their winning streak.

After 4 runs, the Red Sox didn't need to use their closer. Matt Chapman singled for San Francisco's first hit for the reason that fourth inning, but Thairo Estrada hit a double play to finish the sport. The Giants will need more hits and more breaks to avoid a Boston sweep.