On football Sunday before six o’clock, the Rangers took to the ice in Boston to battle the Bruins. Following a delayed start due to the team arriving late, they lost 3-0 in the first of six preseason matches.

For some reason, the Rangers decided to leave for Boston today. Due to the inclement weather that’s featured heavy rain, they needed a little extra time to get ready. As I replied to Stephanie (AxTheEx) on our game thread via Twitter (X), “That’s so MSG.”

You can’t help but chuckle at it. The first exhibition game of the season and already some chaos. As I hinted in a post the other day, the organization didn’t air either prospect game against the Flyers. At least for those interested, the Flyers showed it on their official website.

Now that that’s out of the way, here are some observations on today’s game:

Although they were outscored 3-0, it was the Rangers who held the better of the play. They created plenty of scoring chances and drew five power plays.

Ultimately, the difference was the stellar play of Brandon Bussi. A 25-year-old goalie who played three years at Western Michigan before signing with the Bruins as a college free agent, he made several excellent saves, including committing highway robbery on Jonny Brodzinski.

That summed it up. Bussi had a good first pro season with Providence in the AHL. Maybe the Bruins found something. They already are set in goal with Vezina winner Linus Ullmark and backup Jeremy Swayman. But it’s always smart to have goalie depth in the system.

For Sunday, Filip Chytil wore an alternate on his jersey along with Alexis Lafreniere. As expected, he shifted to the right side to play on the first line. Most of the game, it was with Will Cuylle, who was very noticeable throughout. He threw his weight around and forechecked well. Cuylle might not make the roster due to the logjam. But I liked what I saw.

Chytil was the best player on the ice. He was everywhere during shifts, generating chances. He finished with six shots in 21:09. He also had a nice takeaway that led to him drawing a penalty at the conclusion of the first period.

Lafreniere was mostly looking to set up teammates. He wasn’t as active as his line mates but did get a quality chance in front on a Chytil pass. Bussi denied him and Chytil. He had three shots in 21:36. Lafreniere also took six face-offs, going 2-and-4.

The first power play comprised Chytil, Lafreniere, Cuylle, Brodzinski, and Zac Jones. Jones was good in this one at creating some opportunities. He moves the puck well. On one pass across, Brodzinski got a good shot right on Bussi, who made the stop.

As far as young and unproven players, Adam Sykora showed some speed and skill. He nearly beat Bussi, but his quick wrist shot hit the goalpost. He’ll start at Hartford once they start making cuts.

Brett Berard was solid in a few shifts. You saw some of the speed and grit he brings. It should be good to follow him at Hartford. Let’s see how smooth the transition is from college to the pros.

Veteran Anton Blidh played with some edge against his former team. He was aggressive taking four shots during the game.

Matthew Robertson took a penalty that resulted in the first goal of the game. With him off for high-sticking, Bruins prospect Matthew Poitras snuck a wrist shot through Jonathan Quick. Robertson was okay. But it feels like he won’t make it. He could wind up being dealt.

Jimmy Vesey was his usual hard-working self. His best chance came when he got behind the Boston defense for a breakaway. But a patient, Bussi, stayed right with him to shut down his stuff in try.

One of the highlights was veteran Ben Harpur winning a late scrap with A.J. Greer. He was a bit too strong, landing several haymakers.

The physical edge Harpur plays with makes him a player worth having. Even in a small role.

Jonathan Quick played the first half of the contest. He definitely would like the first goal back. Quick allowed three goals on 11 shots. It might take some time for the former King to get sharp.

Louis Domingue came in and made eight saves. It was light work for the likable veteran.

The other Bruins goals came from Jake DeBrusk and John Beecher. The Beech goal saw him beat Braden Schneider badly up the middle before scoring. The MSG camera zoomed in on Peter Laviolette. He didn’t look pleased.

Connor Mackey and Ty Emberson were two unheralded defensemen who had solid nights. Neither is expected to last long. Emberson had a good 2022-23 for the Wolf Pack. He’s a former Coyotes draft pick who spent three years at the University of Wisconsin.

Alex Belzile and Riley Nash played checking roles during the game. They were okay. So did Jake Leschyshyn.

Adam Edstrom also played over 13 minutes. He’s a former sixth round pick in 2019 from Sweden.

The next game is Tuesday against the Islanders at MSG.

When they provide an update on Mika Zibanejad (upper body injury), I’ll have it. Brennan Othmann also was banged up. But he’s supposed to be ready for preseason. Hopefully, that’s the case.

That’ll do it for now. Wishing those who celebrate a Happy Yom Kippur.