The Boston Bruins’ season opener is set for next Tuesday in Florida against the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, with just one preseason game left on their schedule. On Thursday night in Quebec City, the Bruins were defeated 4-1 by the Los Angeles Kings. Bruins veterans Charlie Coyle, Pavel Zacha, and David Pastrnak combined for just one shot on goal. After the game, head coach Jim Montgomery cited sluggish play in the first period as a key factor in the loss.
“We were asleep in the first. We weren’t moving our legs. … It wasn’t a great game for us in that regard,” Montgomery said. He also noted the team’s overall progress throughout camp. Entering his third season as coach, Montgomery acknowledged that players are eager for the regular season to start. “I think a lot of guys are looking forward to Tuesday. For many, this was their last exhibition game,” he said. “For veterans, it’s about getting the timing right. For guys on the bubble, it’s about making an impression.”
The Bruins struggled from the beginning, getting outshot 11-2 in the first period and managing only 14 shots overall. The Kings, meanwhile, secured their fourth consecutive preseason win, led by Quinton Byfield, who recorded a hat trick. Patrick Brown, Tyler Johnson, and Jeffrey Viel were the only Bruins to register two shots each.
Notably absent were forwards Brad Marchand (illness), Matt Poitras (day-to-day), and Elias Lindholm (rest). With concerns over consistent offensive output as the regular season nears, the Bruins have scored just 15 goals in six preseason games, relying heavily on Pastrnak. It remains to be seen how much support the team will get from the rest of the roster.
Additional notes: Forward Max Jones made his preseason debut, recording one shot as he vies for a bottom-six role. Joonas Korpisalo, who allowed four goals on 26 shots, will start in net on opening night. Patrick Brown scored Boston’s lone goal, and former Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron was honored in his native Quebec before the game.
