Impressive and disappointing players from the Bruins' first preseason game in Philadelphia
PUBLICATION
Dorin Canaday
September 25, 2022 (1:46 PM)
The Boston Bruins lost 2-1 to the Philadelphia Flyers in their first preseason action of the new season.
Of course, fans can take exhibition losses with a grain of salt, as game outcomes aren't precisely what to look for. Preseason games are meant to be tryouts for prospects in the system and veterans to keep their spot, and that's just what Saturday's matchup against the Flyers was.
Below are some players who were disappointing and players who were impressive in preseason game one.
Let's start with some veterans. First was centre Tomas Nosek, who missed some great opportunities to cash in. As per Bruins writer Ty Anderson:
''Tomas Nosek tonight: team-worst 14.29 CF%, Bruins outshot 5-1 with him on ice in almost 10 mins of 5v5. Not a ton of LH FO options to push him out, but this could be worth watching as camp progresses. On hook for $1.75M this season.''
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If Nosek keeps up with disappointing games, he's risking being put on waivers with his $1.75m cap hit. His inability to stand out, especially in a preseason game, is a development to keep an eye on.
Nick Foligno was another veteran who disappointed as well, not quite as much as Nosek, but it was evident his age is catching up to him. Foligno made some nice plays, which should be expected against another team's prospects, though. His speed and decision-making appear to be well below what they used to be.
One prospect that disappointed was Joona Koppanen, who was a fifth round (135th overall) selection for the Bruins in 2016. Bruins Network had a perfect breakdown of Koppanen's game on Twitter:
''Joona Koppanen has been mentioned as a potential fourth-line fit recently and I just don't see it. For his size, he's got solid mobility and is pretty responsible. That said, he really doesn't separate himself from any other option except for his size. Fringe type of guy.''
The Bruins player that stood out the most was defenseman Jakub Zboril. The 25-year-old logged 25:05 of ice-time and was solid all night long. He was, without question, the best Bruins player on the ice. Positive news after suffering a season-ending ACL injury last season that required surgery.
As per Joe Haggerty of Boston Hockey Now:
''Bruins fall 2-1 to Flyers in preseason opener. Some things to build on. Jakub Zboril looked great. Jakub Lauko had a # of chances & buried one. Chris Wagner & AJ Greer both showing out for 4th line spots. Not a bad debut even if Lysell & Beecher didn't look ready for prime time.''
Jakub Lauko was another youngster who had a solid performance with the Bruins' lone goal and a plus-1 rating in 12:45 of ice time.
Veteran goaltender Keith Kinkaid looked good in his Bruins debut. The likely third-stringer for the Bs played 29:57 of the game last night and stopped 14 of 15 shots he faced. The only goal allowed came on a 5-on-3 powerplay for the Flyers, finishing is night with a .937 SV%.
