The Boston Bruins' first preseason game of 2025 against the Washington Capitals at TD Garden resulted in a 5-2 loss, leaving fans and analysts with plenty to discuss. While it's only preseason, and the team is implementing a new system, the defeat highlighted areas needing improvement before the regular season kicks off.

Early Optimism Fades

The game started positively for the Bruins, with Morgan Geekie, fresh off a successful prior season, scoring early in the first period. However, the Capitals quickly responded, and the Bruins couldn't regain the lead. Sonny Milano's strong performance, with two goals and an assist in the first period alone, fueled Washington's offense. Hendrix Lapierre also contributed significantly, scoring a goal and adding two assists. Bogdan Trineyev and Ryan Chesley also found the back of the net for the Capitals.

Goaltending and Defensive Lapses

Bruins' goaltender Michael DiPietro struggled, allowing four goals on 21 shots before being replaced by Simon Zajicek midway through the game. Zajicek fared better, stopping all six shots he faced. Defensive breakdowns plagued the Bruins, with three of the Capitals' goals resulting from turnovers in the defensive zone. Charlie McAvoy acknowledged his frustration with the team's inability to execute perfectly right away but admitted the defensive issues were fixable. Mason Lohrei and Victor Soderstrom were specifically noted for costly turnovers under pressure.

Positives Amidst the Loss

Despite the score, there were some bright spots for Boston. Coach Marco Sturm praised the fourth line of Patrick Brown, Jeffrey Viel, and Riley Duran, calling them the "best line" of the game. Brown scored a goal, with assists from Viel and Duran. Sturm emphasized that the line brought energy and did what he expected of them. Elias Lindholm and Morgan Geekie also showed promise, combining for a skillful play on the Bruins' opening goal.

Areas for Improvement

Several analysts pointed out areas where the Bruins need to improve. The team's passing game needs refinement, as the Capitals seemed to have better support and layering in all zones. Concerns were raised about the performance of players needing to secure roster spots, with some failing to stand out. The power play also faltered, failing to capitalize on opportunities.

Looking Ahead

The Bruins will continue their preseason schedule with a game against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Coach Sturm remains optimistic, emphasizing that there is still time to address the identified issues before the regular season begins. The Bruins open their 2025-26 NHL season on October 8 against the Capitals.

Roster Battles and Standout Prospects

The preseason provides opportunities for players to prove their worth and compete for roster spots. Dans Locmelis is a prospect to watch closely, with a strong showing in the AHL last season. Alex Steeves, a free-agent signing, is also looking to make an impression after a successful AHL season with the Toronto Marlies. Fabian Lysell, a former first-round pick, has shown promise in training camp and is aiming to secure a full-time NHL role. Ivan Miroshnichenko and Bogdan Trineyev are also competing for roster spots.