Studnicka Shines in Bruins Preseason Tilt Against Rangers

NEW YORK - Much has been made about Jack Studnicka's offseason over the last several weeks. Throughout the summer, there was buzz that the young centerman was bulking up as he stayed in the Boston area to train.
And when Studnicka reported for training camp last week, he informed the media that he'd added roughly 15 pounds to his 6-foot-2 frame. The Ontario native, now weighing in at 196 pounds, showed just how beneficial that increased strength could be on Tuesday night as he aims to take the next step in his career.

Studnicka, centering Jesper Froden and Fabian Lysell, picked up a goal and an assist to go along with six shots on goal and a plus-2 rating across 16:55 of ice time in Boston's 3-2 exhibition loss to the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.
"I think I was able to throw my body around more when I was going through guys' hands on the backcheck and such," said the 22-year-old, who centered Taylor Hall and Craig Smith to start camp with Charlie Coyle still rehabbing from offseason surgery. "Felt that I was getting [in] position good, but it's gonna be a work in progress. It's a little different game that I'm able to play now, so just trying to bring more of an edge."
Studnicka pulled the Bruins within a goal midway through the second period when he took a nifty feed from Lysell and one-timed a shot from the slot by Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin to make it 2-1 at 8:46 of the middle frame. Mike Reilly started the play with a lengthy outlet pass through the neutral zone to Studnicka, who then found Lysell just inside the New York blue line.
"Good spot for Jack, finishes, had a couple of other chances around the net," said Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy. "I think there was a wraparound he got from Reilly; again, similar situation getting through the neutral zone…good for Jack in that regard. I think their line has the ability to create offense and eventually they did and did a good job."

Showing Off His Skill

Lysell showed off his offensive acumen on Studnicka's goal when he settled down a bouncing puck and pulled it around Rangers defenseman K'Andre Miller, before dishing a silky pass back to Studnicka in the slot. Through two preseason games, the B's 2021 first-round pick (21st overall) has impressed with his combination of speed and skill.
"As comfortable as I expected to be, I think," Lysell said of how he's felt through two exhibition contests. "Just tried to compete at all times, tried to keep up with the pace. I thought both games, as the games have went on, I think I played better every period.
"That's just what I've been trying to do to compete and find open spaces to create chances on. It's definitely a high level than I'm used to, but I think I've handled it pretty good."
While Lysell has been pleased with how he's played, he realizes there is plenty of room for growth, particularly when it comes to his physical makeup, as he gets adapted to the North American game.
"I want to be an offensive guy, so I think everything needs to get better…I think it's just strength, being able to protect the puck and create a little bit of separation for yourself," said Lysell. "I think it's going to go pretty quick for me. I think they're happy with how I've played. I think it's gone better than we thought but it's gonna take a little while.
"Obviously, it's a smaller ice so you've got to take that too. Everyone is stronger, faster, and I think they read the game a little bit quicker too, so you've got to be more prepared for things to happen out there.
"I think the defenders have pretty good gaps so it's hard to create space for yourself. You've just got to keep competing and make every decision a bit quicker all the time. But I enjoy doing it and I think I've handled it pretty good."
Studnicka, playing with Lysell for the first time, was impressed with the 18-year-old's poise.
"He's a good player," said Studnicka. "To be that age and to have the confidence and composure he has out there - I know, myself, my first couple preseason games, it's nerve-racking. It's something you dream of your whole life. He's a confident player, very fast. I think we were able to keep up with each other out there. Chemistry was good."

Blasting Through

Following a shakier showing against the Washington Capitals in the preseason opener on Sunday, Urho Vaakanainen put forth an improved outing against the Rangers that included a tying goal in the second period.
Studnicka won an offensive zone draw to get the puck back to the blue liner, who unleashed a heavy slapper from the top of the slot that cruised past New York goalie Tyler Wall and knotted the game, 2-2, with 4:31 left in the second.
"I thought against Washington he slapped the puck around for a guy that's played games and has a good idea of what to expect," said Cassidy. "Today, he had a little bit more composure, helped his partner out a number of times to make a tape-to-tape pass, get us out of our zone. Was nice to see him score.
"The other night in Washington, a couple shots got blocked, those wristers. We're encouraging our D to shoot the puck hard whenever possible… He shot it past the goaltender who saw the puck the whole way. That's a good thing for Vaak that way.
"I just thought in general, his mobility to get to pucks, make an outlet was better than in Washington. That usually means he's engaged in the game better, more assertive, better gaps. That's when he has those opportunities."

Room for Improvement

Cassidy felt that the line of Trent Frederic, Tomas Nosek, and Curtis Lazar had an uneven night. The trio, which was the de facto top line against the Rangers, has been together since the start of training camp and appears to have the inside track toward being Boston's fourth line to start the regular season.
Nosek had the best showing of the three as he landed a team-high seven shots on goal in 19:48 of ice time.
"They can be better, that's for sure," said Cassidy. "Those guys have been in the league. A little more the wingers - I thought Freddy didn't move his feet nearly well enough to be effective. A couple chances off the rush got blocked because he didn't separate to create a little more time for himself.
"For a line that's going to be an O-zone puck possession line, there's some work to do there for them. I think they lost a puck in the second period there that led to [Artemi] Panarin's goal where they just need to be a little harder. It's a bad change, of course.
"I think they had their moments where they did attack but other times, they're gonna have to work off each other better. I thought the PK part of it was good, 5-on-5. We'll take another look at it, but room to grow for that line to learn each other's tendencies to control pucks better."