The Boston Bruins are off to a solid start in the 2023-24 season, and in part they can thank a group of young forwards making a strong first impression on the ice.
Making the most immediate impact was 19-year-old Matt Poitras, who in his first career game showed the same impressive poise with the puck that he showed in the preseason. Poitras mainly played third-line center with Trent Frederic and newcomer Morgan Geekie, and it paid off with the rookie’s first career point in the first period.
Taking a nice neutral zone pass from Geekie in stride, Poitras stopped and turned by the half boards and threaded the puck cross-ice to Brandon Carlo at the point. He and Frederic did the rest on the deflection Matthew Poitras has arrived. 🤩
Check out the patience for his first NHL point! #NHLFaceOff
📺: @NHL_On_TNT & @SportsonMax ➡️ https://t.co/W9mpYG1lMO pic.twitter.com/Rg6mvBlJ05
Matthew Poitras has arrived. 🤩
— NHL (@NHL) October 12, 2023
Check out the patience for his first NHL point! #NHLFaceOff
📺: @NHL_On_TNT & @SportsonMax ➡️ https://t.co/W9mpYG1lMO pic.twitter.com/Rg6mvBlJ05
Poitras may be 19, but he looks like a veteran when he’s handling the puck, and has a clear knack for slithering his way to the net-front area. He had a high-danger scoring chance of his own when he corralled a fluttering puck and very nearly backhanded it home. His poise has been impressive, and a big reason why he may stick around in the NHL sooner and longer than expected.