College hockey is just a couple of week away. My Providence College coverage in The Providence Journal this season kicks off with a story about defenseman Tommy Davis. You can read it here:

http://www.providencejournal.com/sports/20170922/mark-divver-tommy-davis-brings-experience-maturity-to-providence-college-blueline

 

The preseason is getting more interesting by the day for the Boston Bruins. They beat the Detroit Red Wings, 4-2, on Tuesday night and for the second straight night some of their young players had impressive games.

While I couldn’t make it to the Garden, I did watch the game on the stream provided by the team.

Here are takeaways on five players:

AUSTIN CZARNIK

Czarnik was a standout, winning races all over the ice. As coach Bruce Cassidy alluded to after the game, the newcomers have gotten a lot of attention leading up to training camp and in the first few days, perhaps overshadowing some of the returnees. With a penalty-shot goal and pretty setup on Teddy Purcell’s score, Czarnik served notice that he is not going to be overlooked.

JAKUB ZBORIL

The Czech defenseman has a lot of tools, but he’s had trouble at times keeping his toolbox organized. He showed off his offensive game by making a beautiful play to set up a Ryan Fitzgerald goal, and he had a couple of missteps, too. At the Prospects Challenge in Buffalo,  I was impressed by the fact that he owned up to playing poorly in the opening game and then rebounded with a strong game. I expect him to be an interesting player to watch in Providence this season.

JAKE DeBRUSK

No points to show for it, but I thought DeBrusk played well with linemates David Krejci and David Pastrnak on Tuesday. As he showed in Providence last season, he’s a 200-foot player who can make plays as well as finish.

ROB O’GARA

O’Gara was very good, logging a team-high ice time of 24:44 (partly out of necessity after Torey Krug took a puck in the mouth and the Bruins were left with five defensemen).  He moved the puck with confidence and was physical when he needed to be.

RYAN FITZGERALD

He scored a goal and was hard on the puck. Not the fastest or the biggest player, but he’s smart and he competes. Another player to watch in Providence.

While working at the Projo on Monday night, I was able to watch a healthy chunk of the Boston-Montreal preseason opener from Quebec City on the French-language RDS feed (stick tap to my friend Jeff Scharver for the head’s up).

It was a solid game for youngsters and veterans alike as, after falling behind 0-2, the Bruins ralled for a 3-2 win. Tim Schaller’s nifty shorthanded snipe was the winner.

Here are takeaways on five players:

ANDERS BJORK: The former Notre Dame winger continued to impress, scoring a power play goal and being selected as the No. 1 star. With each of the three games he’s played, starting with the Prospects Challenge in Buffalo, he has looked more comfortable. His offensive instincts jump out at you.

RYAN SPOONER: This is a big year for Spooner and last night he got off to a good start, centering a line with Bjork and Matt Beleskey. Playing against his former coach, Claude Julien, Spooner flashed his speed and puck-handling ability, particularly on the power play. He’s going to need to keep it up.

COLBY CAVE: I’m a fan of the smart, two-way center, who is heading into his third season as a pro, and I believe he will play games in the NHL at some point this season. Last night he was around the puck a lot. He and linemates Schaller and Zach Senyshyn had some good possession shifts in the Montreal end.

MALCOLM SUBBAN: He let in the only two goals from point-blank range – the second bounced in off a shin pad —  but I can’t blame him for either of them. I like the way he kept his cool in spite of a tough break.

JESSE GABRIELLE: Coming off a strong showing in Buffalo, he went to the front of the net and scored Boston’s first goal off a perfect Riley Nash pass. I’m getting the feeling that he’s going to make it very hard for management to send him to Providence.

ATTLEBORO — After winning only four games in 2016-17, the Northeast Generals are determined to make sure this year is much different.

So far, so good.

The Generals opened their season by winning their first two games against the Johnstown Tomahawks, 4-2 on Wednesday and 5-1 on Thursday, before dropping a 3-2 decision on Friday.

The message to their North American Hockey League opponents should be clear.

“It’s not going to be a walk in the park for the other teams if they come in thinking they can blow right by us. We’re going to make teams work hard to beat us this year,” said coach Joe Lovell.

“We added some nice pieces to the puzzle.  Some young guys have stepped in right away and contributed, defensively and offensively. I’m very happy with our start,” he said.

Against Johnstown, the Generals generated chances, outshooting the Tomahawks in all three games. They played solid defense and received good goaltending from David Fessenden and Marko Sturma.

All in all, it was a welcome change for a team that went 4-53-3 in its inaugural season.

“The kids have bought in pretty well. We have a lot to go over and still there’s room for a lot of growth. That’s the best part about the team right now. We haven’t really hit our stride yet. We’ve got some nice chemistry and we’ll just run with it as we go,” said Lovell.

The Generals, with a mix of returnees and newcomers, received goals from 10 different players in the first three games. Captain Colin Bilek, a ’97 from Michigan, and ’98 Louis Boudon, a rookie from France, are the leading scorers with a goal and four points each.

Bilek, the team’s top scorer a year ago, is helping point his teammates in the right direction.

“He has been a great leader, helping the new kids adjust to the level and the pace (of the NAHL). He’s been great in the locker room for us,” Lovell said.

The Generals have two protected players in camp with Cedar Rapids of the USHL, Lowell commit Brian Chambers and Northeastern commit Matt Demelis.

“We’re hoping they stick. It’s great for us to show that we can push guys on to the USHL,” Lovell said.

Next stop is the NAHL Showcase. On Monday, the Generals fly to Blaine, Minn., where they will play games against Coulee Region, Austin, Kenai River and Amarillo at the Schwan Super Rink.

Lovell believes they can keep up the momentum they built in their first three games.

“The kids on our team have a lot of heart. The work ethic, the effort, the desire is there,” he said.

Five takeaways from the Prospects Challenge:

THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT

The impressive performance of many of the Bruins youngsters in Buffalo underscores the opinion that Boston has quite a stable of up-and-comers. A couple of NHL scouts in attendance agreed with me that the Bruins brought the strongest group of young players.  It’s going to be fun to watch these guys as they reach for the next level.

READY TO ROLL

Anders Bjork provided a glimpse of the offensive talents that have made him a highly touted prospect, scoring a goal in each of the two games he played in. “He made some really nice plays in tight. You can really see his willingness to get in there,’’ said Jay Leach. “He’s not timid. He’s not on the outside; he’s on the inside. He’s got that compete we’re looking for and the skill and speed.’’ Bjork is a lock to be on the opening night roster.

DOWN THE ROAD

It sure looks like the Bruins have found themselves a player in center Jack Studnicka, drafted in the second round, 53rd overall, in June. The 18-year-old, who will be the captain in Oshawa this season, was a pleasant surprise. “Very impressive. He made some high-end plays. He’s in the right slots. He does a lot of nice things,’’ said Leach.

PERSONALITY PLUS

Jesse Gabrielle played well in Buffalo. He wears his heart on his sleeve. Gabrielle has a lot to say on the ice, often accompanied by a smirk, and he gets on the nerves of opponents. Off the ice, he usually has a smile on his face. Here’s hoping that if he makes it – and I think he will, at some point – he continues to let his personality shine through.

THE OTHER GUYS

As far as the Devils, Sabres and Penguins were concerned, New Jersey’s Will Butcher was the most NHL-ready prospect, in my opinion. Buffalo has a fine prospect in defenseman Brendon Guhle,  and Justin Bailey, Nick Baptiste and Hudson Fasching looked good. While Zach Aston-Reese didn’t do much in the two Pens games that I saw, I have no doubt he will have a good rookie season.

 

BUFFALO — Anthony Florentino, who is playing for Buffalo in the Prospects Challenge, grew up in West Roxbury, Mass., rooting his heart out for the Bruins.

So it’s not a surprise that the opportunity to face players wearing the Spoked B on their chests was on the mind of the former Providence College defenseman before the Sabres and Bruins played on Saturday night.

“It was pretty cool. I was actually thinking about that  after warm-ups, growing up watching (the Bruins). I realized I’m one step closer but I’ve got a lot of work to do. It was a pretty cool feeling,” said Florentino, who is headed for Rochester on an AHL contract this season.

“You’ve got to play loose. You can’t be tense and uptight about it. I relaxed a little and thought about how far I’ve come. It was definitely a cool experience.”

The burly Florentino was ready to go with Boston’s Ryan Fitzgerald during a third-period scrum, but the linesmen intervened.

“Fitzy’s a good guy. He competes. You’ve got to do what you have to do, especially in this. Nothing but respect for Fitzy. He’s a great player. He plays hard. I play hard,” he said.

Florentino was pleased with his play in the first two games.

“Obviously there’s some shifts I wish I could have back, but overall I can’t be too hard on myself. It’s all a learning experience and making a good first impression. You can’t play tense and overthink. I’m pretty happy with my performance,” he said.

With his PC degree in his backpocket, Florentino is looking forward to his first pro season.

“It’s definitely going to be different. I’m going to have a lot of time on my hands, so I’ll try to stay busy and make sure I’m taking care of my body. It’s going to be a big jump for me, without the stress of school and whatnot.

“I’m going to miss it, being around the guys, Friartown. Awesome four years. I’m going to miss it for sure but I’m ready for the road ahead,” he said.

BUFFALO — Connor Clifton may not have the size, skating ability or pedigree of some of the players on the Bruins roster at the Prospects Challenge, but he’s been one of their more noticeable players through two games.

Whether he’s practicing or playing in a game, Clifton’s body language tells you that there is no other place he’d rather be than on the ice making things happen.

Boston pro scout Dennis Bonvie and executive director of player personnel John Ferguson Jr.  both agreed on Sunday that Clifton’s passion for the game is one of his better attributes.

Jay Leach, who will coach Clifton in Providence this season, talked up the former Quinnipiac captain after the Bruins practice. (There were no games on Sunday.)

“He’s exciting to watch, on both ends of the ice. He’s involved. He loves to play hockey, I can tell you that. A little rough around the edges, but has some potential. As a staff/organization, we love his compete and the way he’s jumping into plays,” he said.

“I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a defenseman have two breakaways on a penalty kill before. It’s pretty amazing. There’s obviously something there. We’re excited about it.”

Clifton, 22, was drafted by Arizona in the fifth round, 133rd overall, in 2013, but opted not to sign. He inked an AHL deal with the P-Bruins on Aug. 17, two days after hitting free agency.

Against Pittsburgh on Friday and Buffalo on Saturday, Clifton rarely saw a rush he didn’t try to jump into.

Leach and his staff will no doubt work with Clifton on picking his spots, but not just yet.

“At this particular moment, I think we just let him fly. I did show him this morning something defensemen work on, just to help him when he gets in a certain situation,” Leach said.

“We can tweak (his play), but you don’t want to completely tame the horse.”

Concussion for Johansson

The Bruins practiced for an hour early on Sunday afternoon without defenseman Emil Johansson and center Jack Studnicka.

Johansson is out with a concussion after taking a big hit on Saturday, said Leach.

Studnicka is day to day with a lower-body injury after being hit by a puck. He’ll be assessed again on Monday.

No McAvoy on Monday?

Leach said he didn’t think Charlie McAvoy would be in the lineup when the Bruins play their final game of the Prospects Challenge on Monday at noon against New Jersey.

“There’s some other guys we’d like to see play,” he said.

Studnicka impresses

Leach has liked what he’s seen from Studnicka, who sniped Boston’s first goal on Friday.

“He’s a heady player. Has some intangibles, back-to-basics hockey stuff, quick on pucks, able to read plays well, takes pucks to the middle and sucks guys in. Does a lot of nice things. He’s been pretty impressive,” Leach said.

Studnicka, 18, was drafted in the second round, 53rd over all, in June. He’ll captain the Oshawa Generals this season.

Gacek gets an invite

Free agent invite Alex Gacek of Dracut, Mass., scored a total of 26 goals with three teams in the ECHL last season.

”He’s clearly not afraid of confrontation. Gets his nose dirty. Skates, competes, he’s a smart kid,” Leach said.

Gacek, who played four seasons at Miami University, has an ECHL deal with Atlanta and will attend Providence’s training camp.

BUFFALO – After two solid periods, the second game of the Prospects Challenge got away from the Bruins – did it ever — in the last 20 minutes on Saturday night.

The final score was 7-4 for Buffalo, as Boston gave up five power play goals.

But the slick pass from Jakub Forsbacka Karlsson to Anders Bjork, who one-timed the puck into the net for a late goal, gave Bruins fans something to put their arms around when the final horn sounded.

The other Boston goals were scored by Justin Hickman, Sean Kuraly and Ryan Fitzgerald.

Jakob Zboril played very well, bouncing back from a difficult night on Friday. He was a physical presence.

Charlie McAvoy got his first game under his belt. Connor Clifton had another good showing.

In addition to his goal, Hickman was physical and did a nice job protecting the puck in the offensive zone.

Jesse Gabrielle was involved all night, trading jabs — verbal and otherwise — with several Sabres.

“All in all, a lot of good takeaways for our team,” said McAvoy.

Jay Leach’s take on the game

“I really liked our first two periods. The third period got a little wacky and I think we all kind of lost composure. Half the time we didn’t know exactly what was being called and it was tough.  We skated and competed and had some chances. I think we had over 20 chances in the first two periods. Just one of those games, I suppose.

“I’m sure, if we were to ask the referees, they’d like to have some calls back.”

Zboril zeroes in

The physical aspect of Zboril’s game was an eye-opener. He made a big hit on Nick Baptiste in the second period and blew up C.J. Smith in the third.

“It looked like he was involved, enjoyed playing. Made some major hits. Made some nice plays, as well. Maybe Charlie (McAvoy) rubbed off on him a little bit, but in saying that, I think he took it upon himself to improve his game. I really thought highly of him in this game tonight,” said Leach.

“That hit in the second period, that was a big-time hit. It probably hurt him and the other guy.”

Zboril was pleased with his performance. “I think I was very much better,” he said.

“I found my legs. The first game, I was not feeling well, I felt really heavy. Today’s game I found my legs again. I could skate and be more physical. I had so much more energy in this game.”

The 20-year-old Czech said that he has always enjoyed the physical side of the game.

“Since I was 10, I started hitting, even when we were young and couldn’t really hit. I was still doing it and getting penalties all the time,” he said with a smile.

Hitting game

Bjork took a couple of high, hard hits, but no damage was done.

“I’m feeling fine. It was a good wakeup call. Keep my head up and do a better job next game. It’s a physical game, a lot more physical than college was. Guys are competing for spots. You’ve got to play smart and just as hard as they do,” he said.

Johansson hurt

Emil Johansson left the game after being trucked by Hudson Fasching, who received a charging penalty.

An update is expected on Sunday, but Leach said Johansson was up and walking around after the game.

Leach on debut of Bork and McAvoy

“They were fine, in their way. It was an intense game. I think they put a lot of expectations on themselves to perform well. Obviously, Bjorkie had a nice goal. JFK made some nice plays. But at the same time, I think they’d say it’s a good first step and they’ll be looking forward to Monday, for sure.”

Fitz fitting in

Fitzgerald just missed scoring a second goal.

“Ryan Fitz was good. Very serviceable. Plays a lot of positions. He was all over the puck. Gets inside guys. Obviously, he was on the board. He’s effective when he’s on that puck,” said Leach.

Leach on Gabrielle

“He forced that Sean Kuraly goal. It really was all Jesse, getting on his horse and forcing that goalie to make a bad play. He was physical, he was confrontational. He was walking that line. I thought he did a pretty good job.”

Fisticuffs

DeBrusk was on the receiving end of a flurry of punches from Buffalo’s Arvin Atwal in the third period, and then the two traded insults while in the penalty box.

“He got seven good ones and I didn’t even feel it. That’s what I was telling him in the box,” DeBrusk said.

The Bruins rookie recalled a fight against Gabrielle while in the WHL.

“There’s no video of it, but I got the win, for sure,” DeBrusk said with a laugh.

A grinning Gabrielle remembered it differently, insisting that the victory belonged to him.

BUFFALO — Jay Leach and Jakub Zboril are in agreement: the 20-year-old rookie had a tough time in Friday’s game against Pittsburgh.

“I think he struggled,” Leach said after the team skated this morning.

“He looked a little tentative to me. You saw glimpses of his physicality and the way he can close and do those sorts of things. But, overall, he’d like to be a bit more aggressive and use that a lot more. (His play against the Pens) tells me you’re thinking too much or you’re not in the moment, you’re not enjoying the game.”

List at 6-foot-1 and 196 pounds, Zboril was drafted in the first round, 13th overall, in 2015. With a strong camp, he could be in the hunt for an NHL job, but Providence is a more likely destination this season.

“We talked to him this morning and hopefully he’ll get more involved and get out there and really make a difference, because he can. He’s got that ability. Whether he was nervous or whatever, he was tentative (on Friday),” said Leach.

Zboril, who says that his skating and physicality are the strongest facets of his game, owned up to his struggles vs. the Pens.

“Last night, I don’t think it was optimal for me. I’m not really happy for what I did last night. I know I have to step up. (Last night) I had a hard time skating, first game after a long break. I have to step up,” he said after the morning skate.

“My mindset right now is I know there is one spot open (in Boston) for one left D. So I’m just going to have to battle through this camp and (Boston’s) training camp. I have to show that I really want that spot. I have to battle for it.

“If it happens, it happens. If not, I go to Providence, fine, I’ll just have to battle through. I have to work my hardest right now and see what happens,” he said.

All eyes will be on Charlie McAvoy when the Bruins play the Sabres tonight, but Zboril will be in the spotlight, too, as McAvoy’s partner.

Leach is hoping that some of McAvoy’s zest for the game rubs off on Zboril.

“Obviously, Charlie’s a gifted player. He’s got that little sparkle in his eye every time he hits the ice. Hopefully, Jake can see that and it can kind of filter through to the other side of that pairing. Charlie is a gamer and he wants to play, whether it’s pickup hockey or in the Stanley Cup playoffs,” said Leach.

Sabres on tap tonight

Sabres.com will stream tonight’s 7 o’clock game.

Luke Richardson, a camp invite from Kitchener of the OHL, will start in goal for Boston.

The lines:

Debrusk-Studnicka-Bjork

Fitzgerald-JFK-Senyshyn

Gabrielle-Kuraly-Steen

Gacek-Koppanen-Hickman

D pairs:

O’Gara-Clifton

Zboril-McAvoy

Sakowich-Johansson

Leach on Debrusk

After a good rookie year in Providence, Jake Debrusk is expected to make a strong push for an NHL job in camp.

“He looked, really, pretty good in (Saturday morning’s) practice. More than anything, he looks like he’s grown a year, he’s a year older. He’s had another summer, you can tell he’s worked out, he’s powerful,” said Leach.

“He’s got a great release, he’s not afraid to go to the dirty areas. He’s an up and down winger and he’s got some polish. He’s got straight-line speed. Who is that in the NHL? I’m not going to put that on him. But he has a lot of NHL potential.

“I wouldn’t put a cap on (how far he can go). It’s way too early for that. Brad Marchand when he was with the Providence Bruins was, I think, a fourth-line left winger.  I would never want to put a ceiling on someone like that, and Jake has serious potential to really be anything – first, second, third or fourth line winger,” Leach said.

O’Gara-Clifton

Watching practice on Saturday morning, Boston coach Bruce Cassidy said he thought Conner Clifton was the best defenseman for the Bruins on Friday.

On Saturday, Clifton will play with Rob O’Gara. It’s a pairing of a former Quinnipiac Bobcat (Clifton) and an ex-Yale Bulldog (O’Gara).

Grzelcyk on Grant

First-year pro Matt Grzelcyk and veteran Alex Grant were one of Providence’s go-to defense pairs last season.

Heading into his second season, Grzelcyk appreciates the help he received from Grant, who signed with Minnesota in July.

“He was someone who kind of settled my nerves out there for a while. He’s a steady presence, had a big shot. Obviously, I like to dish the puck so I could just slide it over to him and (he would) let that slapshot go. He’s been up in the NHL for a bit earlier in his career. He took me under his wing. That really helped me out the whole year,” Grzelcyk said.

BUFFALO — Providence Bruins coach Jay Leach is on the front lines when it comes to player development. It was interesting to hear his thoughts on the value of the Prospects Challenge for Boston’s young players.

“It’s a really good step for the kids, especially the new ones who haven’t been in the pro game at all. They’re obviously going to be playing in front of a lot of important people,” the former Providence College captain said.

“The play might be a little scrambly at times, but it is important for them to get used to the pro environment, to play a game where you are expected to be a professional. It’s invaluable to them.

“For our returning guys, you can see, hopefully, the stepping stone they’ve made this past year, and they’re that much further along toward hopefully being in the NHL,” he said.

When Leach was breaking into the pro game as a player 15-plus years ago, teams played individual rookie games, not mini-tournaments, which have now become yearly events in the NHL. And those rookie games were often bloodbaths.

(Going way back, I remember watching a Boston-Hartford rookie game in the ’80s where a Bruins prospect was assessed three fighting majors and an automatic game misconduct in the first 20 minutes. You might have heard of him: Jay Miller.)

“It’s changed. When I was playing it was kind of a big meatfest. It was rough and tumble,” said Leach.

“Now you see these rosters, there’s maybe eight guys returning who were rookies last year with high-end skill. Then you throw in a couple of guys we’ve signed this past year. It should be a good tournament with regards to the level of play, regardless if it’s scrambly or not,” said Leach.

Everyone wants to get to the NHL fast, but for all but a handful of players, it can be a long process, not a sprint. Leach points to the Prospects Challenge as a milestone along the way for the prospects.

“It’s good for them in that it’s nice for them to take steps. They might not understand it – and I understand their mindset where they want to be in the NHL right away – but it’s like a bank account, I think.

“This experience is something they can put in their bank account. ‘I did my Prospects Challenge. Hopefully performed well, and it’s in my back pocket and I can move on to the next step.’ It might be just a weekend or a little bit longer for some of them, but it is important for their development.

“It’s good grounding. It teaches some of these guys to walk before they run . Whether they are playing in the NHL this year or next year, they will run into times when they run into some tough situations, and you need to lean back on your structure, what you’ve done in the past, to get past that.

“In this game of professional hockey, you’re never always going to be on your game. You’re just not. So to be a bit grounded will help them adjust and get back to that game when those times arrive.”