Boston Bruins: Ups And Downs In Preseason Win

Oct 6, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Matt Beleskey (39) collides with Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Markus Nutivaara (65) in the first period during a preseason hockey game at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 6, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Matt Beleskey (39) collides with Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Markus Nutivaara (65) in the first period during a preseason hockey game at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Bruins had a series of ups and downs in their win against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Boston Bruins had a respectable 2-1 preseason win against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on Thursday. The win brings the Bruins to 3-2-1 on the preseason.

Matt Beleskey was the star of the show tonight, being everywhere the Black and Gold needed him to be. Beleskey put in the early first goal for Boston. The Bruins forward finished a +1 with two shots on goal, and two of the B’s ten blocks. He spent nearly four minutes on the power play and nearly three on the penalty kill.

The Bruins had some sloppy play throught out the game, and thus found themselves in penalty trouble throughout the night, giving the Blue Jackets seven power play opportunities. Thankfully, the Bruins were able to stop six out of the seven power plays.

The Bruins were only able to win 30% of the faceoffs throughout the night. Only forward Jimmy Hayes was able to win at least half of his battles in the faceoff circle.

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While it wasn’t a showcase night for the team in general, it was a good night for both of the Bruins netminders. Anton Khudobin and Malcolm Subban split the game against the Blue Jackets, and both goaltenders had a decent night in the net. Khudobin stopped all 11 shots that were fired on him. Malcolm Subban took over and was able to stop 16 of  17 shots.

Unless something changes, Subban should be heading off to Providence in the next few days. Khudobin looks ready for opening night next week.

Christian Ehrhoff played well on the ice as well. Ehrhoff had an assist and was a +1 in 17:51 of ice time.

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Several Bruins are in a tight race for the few open slots on the roster. Austin Czarnik looked a little better on the ice than Denton Heinen tonight. Both players had 3:51 on the power play, and they both spent around three minutes on the penalty kill. Both were a +1 on the evening.