Bruins notebook: Mason Lohrei is rising to the occasion

BOSTON -- Mason Lohrei was not a member of the Boston Bruins last year when they lost a heartbreaking Game 7 to the Florida Panthers, but he got a good taste of what the vibe will be like when he’s expected to step onto the Garden ice for his first home playoff game on Tuesday for the potential close-out Game 5 against the Toronto.

And while he stepped up in the big moments of playing Games 3 and 4 in Toronto against the Maple Leafs, playing under control while everyone in the building is rooting for you will present its own challenges.

“Ir’s going to be cool. The Garden is a pretty special atmosphere. I actually went to (Game 7) last year just as a fan. It’s insane. The fans are nuts here. I’m excited,” said Lohrei after the B’s Monday practice. “I guess I’ll be be trying to stay even-keeled and treat it like hockey but there’s a lot of energy in the building and I’ll try to harness it and use it the best you can.”

With the injury to Andrew Peeke in Game 2, the lanky rookie got the call in Toronto and, judging from Monday’s practice, he appeared set to start Game 5 alongside Charlie McAvoy again.

Lohrei made the play in Game 4 that helped give the B’s the lead they would never relinquish, stepping up for a loose puck along the boards and getting it to James van Riemsdyk for the 1-0 goal.

You could almost see his confidence grow after he made that play. He also seemed pleased that he didn’t have to extend himself to make it.

“I was just sticking to the system and doing what we’re told to do. Just stayed low and pinched along the wall and we got a good bounce out of it,” said Lohrei. “You only learn the systems through playing and getting that experience. Throughout the year I’ve definitely gotten a better grasp of what we’re doing.”

He earned more confidence from his coaches as well. He played 14:19 in Game 3 and 17:36 in Game 4.

“I thought he got better (in his second game) and he’s someone who’s really helped us have success. He’s been a big part of our success so I’m really happy with how he’s competed, how he’s defended,” said coach Jim Montgomery. “The offensive part is something we’ve always been happy with, but he’s a lot more direct offensively, too. The simple puck plays that he’s making were being rewarded with the looks in the O-zone and also on the rush.”

Now he’s got to do it again. And again and again. It’s the nature of the playoffs. It can be a tense time, but Lohrei has also told himself that it’s just hockey, after all, and it should be enjoyed. Adn as Brad Marchand said after Game 4, youthful adrenaline can override inexperience. The captain spoke from his own experience.

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