Here are five thoughts from the first period with the Bruins leading the New York Rangers by a 1-0 score after the first 20 minutes at Madison Square Garden.
1) The Bruins rebounded from a sleepy effort against the Red Wings earlier this week with a strong opening 20 minutes, and outshot the Rangers by a 13-6 margin in the first period. That’s doubly impressive considering that the six best forwards for the Bruins stayed back in Boston, and aren’t in the lineup.
2) Brett Connolly and Jimmy Hayes really could have used a good result in this game, and they teamed for a goal less than a minute into the first period. Hayes powered down the right wing, and then slid a pass to the left side after drawing the defense to him. That left Connolly all alone to tap it in, and give that line a much-needed goal during five-on-five play as their best forward line in tonight’s game.
3) Jonas Gustavsson only has six saves, but he looks confident and in control between the pipes in a way that Jeremy Smith wasn’t last week against the Rangers. He still has 40 minutes to finish things off and will obviously get tested more by the Rangers on home ice, but it’s a good start for “The Monster.”
4) Good first period for Anton Blidh, who was around the puck and forced Henrik Lundqvist into a good save when he crashed the front of the net after a couple of Max Talbot bids created a scramble in front. It’s the most noticeable that Blidh has been in all of camp, and he’s picking a good time to pick up his game.
5) Ryan Spooner also looking good five-on-five with an assist on the first goal, and a nice steal at the blue line to create another scoring chance for himself. Spooner said his legs hadn’t really felt good for much of camp, but his skating legs look very strong in the first 20 minutes with a chance to finish strong in the preseason.