Linus Ullmark, the 2023 Vezina Trophy winner, stood tall with 35 saves in the game. Veteran winger Milan Lucic, who returned to the Bruins this offseason, made an impact by notching his first goal in a Bruins uniform and contributing to rookie defenseman Mason Lohrei's goal.
Lucic received a warm welcome from Bruins fans, who showered him with 'Loooooccch' chants. He finished the game with four shots and a hit, showcasing his enduring popularity among the Garden faithful.
Despite a shaky start, Ullmark settled in and made crucial saves down the stretch to force the game into overtime. He made 11 saves in the third period and stopped five of six shots in overtime, ending the night with 36 saves.
Trent Frederic, skating alongside Brad Marchand and rookie sensation Matt Poitras, brought his physical presence to the game, recording four hits and creating space for his linemates.
On the downside, the Bruins' special teams struggled in the preseason game. The powerplay went 0-for-4, and the penalty kill allowed two Capitals goals on three powerplays, highlighting the need for improvement before the regular season.
The rookie trio of Matt Poitras, John Beecher, and Mason Lohrei left a strong impression. Poitras scored his second preseason goal and showcased perseverance throughout the game. Beecher contributed with an assist and physical play, while Lohrei, despite a potential return to Providence, demonstrated his value with his first preseason goal and substantial ice time.
In terms of statistics, the Bruins were out-shot by the Capitals 41-20, indicating the challenges they faced.
Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery praised rookie center Matt Poitras, emphasizing his competitiveness and poise with the puck. Poitras' performance likely secured him a spot on the 2023-24 Boston Bruins roster, making him one of the promising prospects to watch this season.
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