The implementation of a 3-on-3 overtime format was the most drastic rule change of the NHL offseason, and the Boston Bruins already have gotten plenty of practice with it.
Three of the Bruins’ four preseason games have required overtime, including Saturday’s 4-3 win over the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena. Boston has won each, with Torey Krug supplying the latest game-winner.
Let’s dive into some Bruins notes from Saturday:
Click here for the Bruins Wrap >>
— The penalty box operators at the Joe certainly had a busy night. The Bruins and Red Wings combined for 18 penalties in the game, including four fighting majors.
Boston capitalized on just two of its eight power-play opportunities but came through when it mattered most, turning a Detroit too-many-men infraction in overtime into Krug’s deciding goal.
— David Krejci is showing no ill effects from the MCL tear that limited him to 47 games last season. The veteran winger scored two goals Saturday after assisting on two — including an overtime game-winner by David Pastrnak — Tuesday night.
— Saturday marked the preseason NHL debut for former Providence College center Noel Acciari, who tallied 15 goals and 32 points for the national championship-winning Friars last season.
The Johnston, R.I., native skated with Anthony Camara and Brett Connolly on Boston’s fourth line and finished with three hits and two blocked shots in 11:21 of ice time.
— The Bruins on Friday signed 2015 second-round draft pick Brandon Carlo to an entry-level contract.
Though the 18-year-old defenseman’s NHL debut likely won’t come for at least another couple of years, he was understandably excited after inking his first deal.
“I’m thrilled, obviously — it’s a big deal,” Carlo told reporters Saturday morning, via the Bruins’ official website. “Growing up, that’s something that was just the next step making it towards the NHL, so it’s always been a dream of mine, and I’m really excited for the opportunity to (sign) this fast especially.”
Carlo, the 37th overall pick this past June, assisted on the first of two Krejci goals for his second point of the preseason.
— Zdeno Chara’s status remains uncertain after the 38-year-old defenseman suffered an upper body injury Thursday night. He was given the weekend off and will be re-evaluated Monday, per Bruins coach Claude Julien.
“Things continue to at least stay positive in our minds,” Julien told reporters.
— Goalie Jonas Gustavsson made a strong first impression by saving all 18 shots he faced in last Sunday’s preseason opener. The 30-year-old has not seen action since, however, as he left training camp this week for personal reasons.
Julien said Saturday morning, via CSNNE.com, that he expects Gustavsson back “probably in the next day or so.”
The former Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs netminder is attending Bruins camp on a professional tryout offer.
Thumbnail photo via Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images
