BOSTON — Elias Lindholm is not a loud center. You know the type: Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Auston Matthews.
The Boston Bruins are just fine with that.
The subtle and cerebral first-year Bruin made his preseason debut in Tuesday’s 4-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. He did not have a point and lost eight of 12 faceoffs. But it was a good first step for the No. 1 center, considering the week-plus he was unavailable because of an undisclosed injury.
“The plays that Lindholm makes through the middle of the ice — his poise, his hockey sense — you can tell he’s going to be someone that really adds to our offensive game,” coach Jim Montgomery said.
Power, speed and explosiveness are not abundant qualities in Lindholm’s game. His strengths are three-zone attention to detail, efficient stickwork and robust processing power. These will be welcome additions for Pavel Zacha and David Pastrnak, Lindholm’s top-line running mates, to incorporate.
“His 200-foot game is remarkable,” president Cam Neely said. “I don’t want to put him in the Patrice (Bergeron) category. But he’s Patrice-like.”
Adding Lindholm gives Montgomery more options than before. Zacha is back at left wing, where he was in 2022-23. As a right-shot center, Lindholm fits better in the bumper on the No. 1 power-play unit to play off Zacha and Brad Marchand.
It will take time for Lindholm to advance his integration. But so far, the Bruins like what they see.
Cards to play on defense
Nikita Zadorov started camp on Charlie McAvoy’s left flank. In theory, the strongman’s ability to eliminate opponents gives McAvoy the green light to go the other way.
Zadorov, however, isn’t one to root himself in the defensive zone. He likes to go up the ice too. Against the Flyers, Zadorov carried the puck below the dots in the offensive zone to set up Justin Brazeau for a net-front goal.
So if Zadorov plays with Andrew Peeke, as he did on Tuesday, the first-year Bruin may be the one who’s free to roam. McAvoy, meanwhile, played with Hampus Lindholm.
“I’ve always thought his skill level’s high,” Montgomery said of Zadorov. “If Zadorov’s ready to play like he was tonight, he’s moving his feet, he’s getting in people’s arms physically to separate people. Not so much the big hits. But he had people on his back. He just kind of skated and took off on them.”
Geekie up, Lysell down
Marchand likes playing with Morgan Geekie. The veteran is a dependable, consistent, puck-heavy right wing who complements his linemates well.
Fabian Lysell is not there yet.
“He’s got a lot of talent,” general manager Don Sweeney said of the 2021 first-rounder. “We’re trying to get him to understand a little bit more of the team-based game and apply that, whether that’s in practice with Providence today and tomorrow, then bringing him back when he does get another opportunity here. That’s what you’re hoping for. In all young players, that’s what you’re hoping for. There’s very few ready-made players.”
A habit the Bruins want Lysell to mend is his preference to go on solo runs with the puck. He can scoot past traffic in the AHL. But in the NHL, a one-on-three carry into the offensive zone becomes a turnover.
Johnson makes his contract case
Tyler Johnson is still on a professional tryout agreement. Chances are he will turn it into an NHL deal soon.
The right-shot veteran scored against the Flyers while centering Trent Frederic and Brazeau on the No. 3 line. Not only that, but Johnson was a noticeable presence because of his skating and hockey sense. The 34-year-old’s legs are still NHL quality. So is his three-position versatility.
“He’s gotten better through camp. Tonight, he was really good,” Montgomery said Tuesday. “I thought he made real subtle plays in the first two games he played. Tonight was a real good effort, and not because of the goal. I thought his line tonight was our best line. I thought Frederic and Brazeau were excellent.”
If Matt Poitras opens the year as the No. 3 center, Johnson would likely be the 13th forward.
Bruins claim Patera
With no solution to the Jeremy Swayman standoff in sight, the Bruins added goaltending help on Wednesday by claiming Jiri Patera on waivers from the Vancouver Canucks. Patera, 25, appeared in six games for the Vegas Golden Knights last year. He spent most of the season in Henderson, Vegas’ AHL affiliate, where he had a .903 save percentage in 25 games.
Patera gives the Bruins a possible No. 2 behind Joonas Korpisalo, who will start the opener against the Florida Panthers. Brandon Bussi has yet to make an NHL appearance. Bussi was in net for the win over the Flyers, but his rebound control has not been efficient during the preseason. Bussi needs waivers to be assigned to Providence.
Fourth line still in play
Mark Kastelic and Johnny Beecher have locked down their spots on the fourth line. They have been together throughout camp. Kastelic has made an impression with his in-your-face play. The ex-Ottawa Senator’s physicality has given Beecher room to use his wheels for scoring chances.
It remains to be seen who the third member will be. Max Jones has yet to make a preseason appearance because of an undisclosed injury. Cole Koepke and Riley Tufte are in the running if Jones is not ready for the opener.
(Photo of Elias Lindholm: Fred Kfoury III / Getty Images)
