On Tuesday, Jonathan Myrenberg played arguably his best game of the young SHL season. For the second consecutive game he played over 20 minutes – 20:56 – after averaging just over 14 in his first 3 games. The boost in confidence is markedly noticeable as he used his skating, stick handling, smarts and vision time and time again. He registered his first professional point, an assist and had three shots on goal. His team lost 3-2 in a shoot out but for me it’s all about the trajectory and continued improvement for himself.
The Bruins lost 4-1 to the Buffalo Sabres in NHL preseason action on Tuesday. Mason Lohrei was the player who stood out the most and he was a workhorse, totaling 29:01 TOI (some debate about the actual TOI) to lead both teams. Lohrei displayed the skills that make him the Bruins top defensive prospect. There was one moment in the entire game where he made you say oops. He sent a blind pass along the boards that got intercepted. Lohrei also went up against some top-notch players. While Buffalo dressed some youngsters, they also dressed the likes of Tage Thompson, Jeff Skinner and Rasmus Dahlin, to name a few, Paired with Brandon Carlo, 8:11 of Lohrei’s 5vs5 TOI was against Thompson and the youngster held his own.
It was obvious on Thursday that Myrenberg has found his comfort zone, along with new found confidence. He finished with just under 20 minutes TOI at 19:26 and had a powerplay assist on Linkoping’s lone goal as they dropped a 3-1 decision to Farjestad. Although he was a minus-1 in this game, goals are hard to come by for the opposition when he is on the ice. His ability to defend, retrieve pucks and transition the other way are bordering on outstanding.
On Friday both Kostadinski and Nassen returned to form as Frolunda defeated Oskarshamn 6-4 in J20 Nationell League actions. Kostadinski potted two assists – his fourth and fifth of the season in 11 games while Nassen added one of his own for his fifth of the season to go along with 2 goals. Both were coming off their worst performances of the season albeit it coming in their third game in three days. Kostadinski is producing at a clip a little better than I forecast for him. While Nassen Is producing assists towards his forecast, his goal scoring is well off the mark.
In NHL exhibition, as good as Lohrei was on Tuesday he was even better on Friday. He continues to make a strong case to make the opening night roster. Matthew Poitras also continues to make his case. While he needs to work on a few small details, you can see why I said not to sleep on him. The Bruins made two roster moves Friday sending Ryan Mast to Providence and Jackson Edward back to the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League.
On Saturday, Myrenberg’s Linkoping HC squad dropped their fifth game in a row by a 4-1 score to Lulea HC. Myrenberg’s ice time dropped a tad to 17:51 in the contest however, Lulea had only taken two penalties and Myrenberg has been getting some quality powerplay time. His personal two-game point streak came to an end.
At times, when a player is returned from NHL camps, there is a let down. Other times they use it as motivation and took what they learned and apply it. The latter was the case for Edward. The Knights, who have an elite level defence at this level needed to open up a roster spot for Edward’s return so they took out a rookie (who is not eligible for the NHL draft until 2025). That meant the left shooting Edward had to play the right side. He was good, helped create some chances and except for one defensive miscue was solid. He got top PK time and a taste of the PP, but with 3 legit PP quarterbacks on the roster, that won’t be a regular thing.
In the USHL, Sioux Falls defeated Des Moines 4-3 in overtime. I think I may have underestimated the all-around game Chris Pelosi brings. It’s still early in the season, but if he continues that… While he did not factor on the score sheet, he did all the little things. His net front presence is a blessing and it directly created a goal for his squad. He almost ended it in overtime, ringing the post. Disappointed in the performance by Beckett Hendrickson. If it wasn’t for the lineup sheet, I wouldn’t have known he was in the lineup. Okay, that’s harsh. But he’s better than that.
Coming up this week: The NCAA gets underway!
| PLAYER | M – 2 | T – 3 | W – 4 | T – 5 | F – 6 | S – 7 | S – 8 |
| NASSEN/KOSTADINSKI | Vs MIF | At RBK | |||||
| MYRENBERG | Vs MIF | At TIM | |||||
| BYCHKOV | Vs DIZ | Bs BAR | Vs VVS | ||||
| JELLVIK/GASSEAU | At QUI | ||||||
| LOCMELIS | Vs AIC | At DAR | |||||
| WALSH | |||||||
| LANGENBRUNNER | |||||||
| SPICER/OLSON | Vs MTU | ||||||
| SCHMALTZ | Vs MTB | ||||||
| DURAN/SVEDEBACK | At MIC | ||||||
| GALLAGHER | At BEN | ||||||
| POITRAS | Vs ERE | At LDN | |||||
| EDWARD | At SSM | Vs NB | Vs GPH | ||||
| HENDRICKSON/PELOSI | Vs WAT | Vs TC | |||||
| DYCK | At BDN | Vs MH |
AROUND THE GLOBE
WHO’S HOT:
Matthew Poitras is still at Bruins camp.
WHO’S WARM:
Jonathan Myrenberg has seen his minutes skyrocket as he gets more comfortable. Has 2 assists in his last three games.
Kristian Kostadinski has 5 assists through 11 games and is on pace to smash expectations.
WHO’S COLD:
Reid Dyck is still out with an injury.
Casper Nassen is not scoring at the clip expected of him with just 2 goals in 11 games.
Dom - Hockey 