Bruins Notes: Boston Begins Establishing Identity In Preseason

The Boston Bruins began their path through the preseason on Sunday with a 3-2 loss to the New York Rangers at TD Garden.

While Boston did not earn a victory with plenty of youth on the ice, Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery outlined the tendencies he hoped to watch play out leading up to the regular season.

“I’ve liked the way camp has gone for the most part,” Montgomery told NESN’s Andy Brickley postgame. “I thought tonight’s game, in particular, we had some individuals shine. We saw some moments, especially in the second period, of some really good forechecking. Really good O-zone play.”

Individual performances also earned attention from the Bruins. Trevor Kuntar found the back of the net with good positioning in front while Parker Wotherspoon set the tone physically.

“I thought it was really good,” Kuntar told reporters, per NESN’s postgame coverage. “It was definitely nice playing two preseason games last year in a full year of pros. I don’t think it was anything I haven’t seen before. I definitely felt good. I felt I got better as the game went on. I thought me and my linemates clicked really well and made it easy.”

“Doesn’t change my mindset,” Wotherspoon told reporters, per NESN’s postgame coverage. “I’m gonna come in here and play hard and just compete.

Following the preseason opener, the Bruins have a checklist to work on in the collective development entering another enticing season.

“My focus is on how well are we getting to our identity that we think is gonna be us,” Montgomery added. “How well are we getting repetitions and being really good at our checking and really good at our offensive game.”

Here are more notes from Sunday’s Rangers-Bruins preseason game:

— Boston had an early opportunity with a five-on-three power play within the game’s first five minutes. The Bruins did not cash in on the power play on Sunday.

— The Bruins outshot the Rangers 28-22.

— Boston and New York play three times in the regular season, all after the calendar flips to 2025 on Jan. 2, Feb. 1 and Feb. 5.

— Brandon Bussi got the start in goal for Boston on Sunday evening. He stopped 10 of 12 shots he faced.

— Boston also held the advantage in the face-off circle, winning 52.7% at the dot.

— The Bruins return to preseason action on Tuesday when they host the Washington Capitals at TD Garden. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. ET. You can catch the game on NESN+.