Bruins Drop Game to Canadiens: A Lot of Work Left to Be Done

Arriving into the Bell Centre in Montreal Wednesday night, I noticed a vibe in the crowd of excitement, anticipation, and just a happy feeling that hockey is back. Unfortunately for the Bruins, the vibe stayed positive in the Canadiens' 3-1 victory.

I couldn't even believe the game was a preseason tilt. The sold-out Bell Centre saw a very even first period between the Bruins and the Canadiens.

Manny Fernandez played a flawless first period that really kept the Bruins in the game. He moved side-to-side nicely and showed good position in the crease. He did tend to jump around a bit, but that should subside as he gets a few more games under him.

The second period opened with a five-on-three power play advantage for the Canadiens. Two quick goals later, it was 2-0. (Please note: These goals were not the fault of Fernandez. They were just great plays by the Canadiens.) The Bruins didn't put up much fight in this period.

The third period was a bit better for the Bruins, with some great scoring chances by marc Savard and Stephane Yelle. The Bruins had a nice goal with a quick tape-to-tape pass to Chara for the goal. That was pretty much all the excitement the Bruins brought to the table in the third.

Notes

Blake Wheeler looked great. Probably one of the best Bruins on the ice. Skated hard, played his position, and had some good chances. For a rookie, he didn't look out of place at all. He is staying with the big club!

Matt Hunwick played a lot and played pretty well. I am not sure if he will make the club or not, though.

Manny Fernandez looked pretty sharp and is on his way to being a good tandem with Tim Thomas.

PJ Axelsson, Marco Sturm, and Marc Savard played like veterans. "Big Z" played really well for his first pre-season game of the year.

Vladamir Sobotka looked really good. Fast, was all over the ice, and was a good presence out there. Watch out for this kid in the near future.

Chuck Kobasew mixed it up a bunch last night. Again, I am still impressed on how much bigger he got over the offseason. 

Patrice Bergeron looked just fine. He looked fast and wasn't afraid to take or give a hit. He didn't have too many chances or setups, which needs to change if the Bruins are going to do anything. Again, only a preseason game.

Jermy Reich, who I feel will the be the odd man out on the roster starting the season in Providence and being the first to be called back up, played OK. Looked like he was watching a lot and not getting too involved.

As for Montreal, I liked Robert Lang who is really a big guy, and I thought Koivu and their goalie, Jaroslav Halak, both played really well for the Canadiens.

I know it is just a preseason game, but the tone sure felt like a regular-season match.