Loss to Caps ushers in crunch time

Bartkowski/By S. Bradley

The Bruins are now down to one NHL preseason game left after they lost at Washington, 3-2, tonight.

Several players trying to make the opening-night roster got to strut their stuff in D.C., include rookie defenseman Matt Bartkowski (two assists, plus-2 rating).

Brad Marchand was his usual pesky self and he scored his first preseason goal, while Providence-bound Jeremy Reich also lit the lamp. Alexander Ovechkin made his exhibition debut and recorded two assists for the Capitals.

It was a long night for hopeful Zach Hamill at the faceoff dots, as he won just three of 11 draws. He also failed to muster a shot on goal. Michael Ryder did not register a shot on net, although he attempted six shots that were either blocked or missed the target.

Defenseman Mark Stuart was minus-2 on the evening. Shawn Thornton accounted for himself well in a lengthy bout with D.J. King, as Thornton rallied to earn a draw.

The Bruins will finish up their pre-European portion of the preseason schedule Wednesday night against Washington at TD Garden.