Andersson, Winnik Bright Spots in Overtime Loss

DETROIT - Against the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday night, the Bruins entered the third period down two goals. The resilient group battled back with scores from Daniel Winnik and Axel Andersson to send the game to overtime. While the B's ultimately fell in the extra session, there were a number of positives to be taken from the effort.
"I thought we were on the puck and defended really well five-on-five," said Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy. "I think the majority of their chances were power play, obviously the overtime goal, so we did a good job with that. Guys were working hard to keep it out of their net. It was a good scrap, some blocked shots, I mean guys were trying to do the little things that a lot of time you have to do to make a hockey club as a depth guy."

Axel's First

Down 3-2 late in the game, the Bruins sent Axel Andersson out with the power play unit to try and even the score. The 18-year-old provided the tying tally when he fired a one-timer past veteran goaltender Jimmy Howard.
"I was so happy when it went in," aid Andersson. "[Zdeno] Chara came up to me and said 'You deserve it, kid'. I was so happy."
The praise from Chara, who has played in the NHL longer than Andersson has been alive, meant a lot to the young defenseman.
"He's kind of a mentor," said Andersson. "He's really good with me, so it was awesome."
Cassidy also noticed Andersson's play, despite a few lumps along the way.
"He took a bit of a beating tonight," said Cassidy. "His arm got cut and his nose. He's got lots of will. He wants the puck, good composure and was willing to try things. He'll learn what he can get away with and what he can't, but I like his game."
Overall, it was a very memorable game for the Bruins 2018 2nd round pick.
"It was a crazy game for me as an individual," said Andersson. "I got beat up. I got 18 stitches. I had a nose bleed and stuff like that, but it was fun. It was worth it when I scored."

Winnik Makes Impact

A veteran of 11 seasons, 8 teams and 798 NHL games, Daniel Winnik understands what it takes to play in the National Hockey League.
"Bruce [Cassidy] had me bouncing around [a few positions]," said Winnik. "Left wing and center. I thought my line as a whole played pretty solid. I thought we didn't have too much time in the d-zone. We had quick exits, and we were handling the puck all night in the offensive zone."
Cassidy noted that Winnik has looked the part of an experienced NHLer.
"He's doing what we figured he would. He's managing pucks…He scored a nice goal, and he's played center, played the wing. Like I said, he's done what we've asked, and I'm not surprised. He's been in the league a long time, been successful."
The Toronto-native is playing on a PTO for the third consecutive training camp. Fighting for a job is familiar territory for Winnik.
"I think it's always a good sign when you're playing in games as a guy on a PTO," said Winnik. "I think it's worse when you're not, so we'll see going forward what happens, but they're probably going to try to get a lot of guys in games these next three ones. I just hope I can get in them."
Since he arrived, Winnik has showed a willingness to do whatever it takes to make the Bruins roster.
"When I first got here Don [Sweeney] mentioned that I'll play some center," said Winnik. "He kind of asked me if I was okay with that. I was like 'Yeah, I'll play goalie if you need me to, anything to make this hockey team'."