The Boston Bruins played their final road preseason game Monday night against the Philadelphia Flyers, falling 2-1, in overtime.
Jack Studnicka would be the lone Bruin to score in the game, scoring off a gritty power-play goal. “I liked his game, I liked his commitment to playing a 200-foot game, how he managed pucks,” said Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy. Cassidy also said it is up to the Bruins brass if Studnicka will make the Opening Night roster for the gold and black.
Jeremy Swayman looks to be prepared for the season. Saving 34 shots on 36 shots total and posting a 94% save percentage.
“It was awesome to get some shots,” said Swayman. “Defense was great. We take pride in our defensive zone and I thought the guys cleared out rebounds, had good structure.”
With the way Swayman has been playing it’s starting to open up conversations on who to get the starting nod come Opening Night, Swayman or Linus Ullmark.
“Sway’s been rock solid,” said Cassidy. “Ullmark, just in terms of the exhibition play…hasn’t been as sharp as Swayman. We know that. Some of that could be that he’s ramping it up a little bit, he didn’t finish last year playing. There’s some different things that we have to factor into our decision.“
The Flyers grabbed a late goal in the third period to send it to overtime and then scored early in overtime to grab the win. On a positive note, the B’s were playing more youngsters than not.
The Bruins will wrap up the preseason on Wednesday night against the Washington Capitals — Linus Ullmark will get the start, in front of the TD Garden crowd.