Cehlarik scored a goal in each of the Bruins' 4-3 victories over the Devils and Sabres, while adding a slick assist in Monday night's finale against host Buffalo. After a career-high 11 goals and 20 helpers last season with Lulea, perhaps the offensive part of his game is on the rise.
"You don't expect everything to be great, but the first two games of the preseason have been good," Cehlarik said following the 4-3 win over Buffalo Monday at HarborCenter. "I tried to show up and play good for the team. I'm glad we won those two."
On Sunday against the Devils, Cehlarik planted himself in front of the net and tapped home a feed from Colton Hargrove for the Black & Gold's first tally of the game. A night later, he once again notched the opening goal.
Cehlarik picked up a turnover in the neutral zone and busted in all alone, before firing one past Buffalo goalie Jason Kasdorf.
"There was a turnover in the neutral zone, had a breakaway, so I went low blocker. It worked, so glad it went in," said the 21-year-old. "I wanted to adjust to the speed here…I think it's been a good two games."
It was that fight for loose pucks that stood out to Providence coach Kevin Dean, who oversaw the Bruins prospects during the tournament.
"He's an intelligent player, sees the ice well, and obviously has some good finish," said Dean. "He competed hard. That's what really impressed me about him, was his compete at the puck; he was taking the body, he was taking hits to make a play.
"His whole game is pretty solid with the puck. There are some things away from the puck that we'll have to work on, as there is with every player in the group."
Now, Cehlarik, who signed a three-year entry-level contract with Boston in June, is focused on main Bruins training camp, which begins on Thursday back in the Hub.
"My goal is to fight for a spot on the team," said Cehlarik, whose assist Monday night came on Jake DeBrusk's power-play tally. "For me, adjusting to the lifestyle here and the game speed and everything around…Just get to know everything and feel better every day.
"[This tournament] gives you the confidence. To play with confidence, it's a big thing. I'll try to take it into the next practices and the games."