Preseason Shootout Victory
Bruins Edge Capitals 3-2 in Preseason Shootout Behind Strong Youth Play
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Key Points
1
Michael DiPietro’s performance was supported by an outstanding 2025-26 AHL season: he went 34-8-1 for Providence with a 1.91 goals-against average, a .930 save percentage and three shutouts, leading the league in wins, goals-against average and save percentage.
2
The preseason opener was unusually penalty-heavy: Boston was assessed seven minor penalties and Washington six, while each team converted one power-play opportunity.
3
Boston’s tying goal came after coach Marco Sturm entrusted a group of young players with the late empty-net sequence: Matthew Poitras won the faceoff, Fraser Minten moved the puck to Charlie McAvoy, and McAvoy fired home the equalizer.
4
James Hagens’ winning shootout attempt was a backhander that slipped between Logan Thompson’s pads, making him the only player to score in the shootout.
5
Boston’s penalty kill made a crucial late defensive play when rookie Frederic Brunet blocked a shot during a late Washington power play, helping the Bruins reach overtime before also killing a hooking penalty in the extra period.
The Boston Bruins won their preseason opener 3-2 over the Washington Capitals in a shootout at TD Garden, with goaltender Michael DiPietro turning in a standout performance. DiPietro stopped the Capitals through regulation, overtime, and the shootout, capping an outstanding 2025-26 AHL season where he posted a 1.91 goals-against average and .930 save percentage for Providence.
Bruins Claw Back From Early Deficit
Washington struck first when Jonny Brodzinski scored after Boston successfully killed a 5-on-3 power play. Boston answered on their own power play when Jake Schmaltz tied the game. Ivan Miroshnichenko put the Capitals back ahead in the third period, but the Bruins refused to quit.
McAvoy Sends Game to Overtime With Late Equalizer
Coach Marco Sturm trusted young players with a crucial late sequence. Matthew Poitras won the faceoff in the attacking zone. Fraser Minten moved the puck to Charlie McAvoy, who fired home the tying goal to force overtime. The move showed confidence in Boston's developing talent competing for roster spots.
Bruins Kill Two Overtimes Penalties To Reach Shootout
Boston's penalty kill proved crucial in extra time. Rookie Frederic Brunet blocked a shot during a late Washington power play in regulation. The Bruins then killed a hooking penalty in overtime to give themselves a chance in the shootout. Boston was called for seven minor penalties in the game while Washington drew six.
Hagens Ends Game With Decisive Shootout Goal
Prospect James Hagens scored the only shootout goal, a backhander that slipped between Logan Thompson's pads for the game-winner. Hagens was the sole scorer in the shootout sequence, capping a strong showing from several young Bruins players testing themselves in preseason competition.
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