Game one of the preseason is not exactly the most anticipated event of the NHL season, but it is something that most hockey fans and players look forward to.

It’s not something that many teams mark on their calendars, nor is it something that coaches gameplan for. But it brings the first competition of organized hockey since the end of the season for all 30 teams.

Moreover, the first preseason game is better than watching paint dry gives certain players their first chance to impress the coaching staff. Prospects (David Warsofsky, Alex Khoklachev and Ryan Spooner), veterans trying out (Simon Gagne) and players returning from injury (Dennis Seidenberg and Chris Kelly), all have a small level of anticipation heading into Tuesday’s glorified scrimmage against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre.

For the first time in recent memory, there are several vacancies the Black and Gold need to fill before their opening night matchup with the Philadelphia Flyers two weeks from Wednesday. The competition will grow over the next few days as players vie for those open spots (reminder: stay with Bruins Daily all this week for our take on the lineup battles taking place).

All of this, is a good thing though. Just ask David Krejci, who will skate with Loui Eriksson on the first line come puck drop.

“You always get a little nervous, even during scrimmage(s) before the puck drops,” Krejci said after his group’s skate at the TD Garden on Tuesday morning. “It’s kind of a healthy nervousness. It doesn’t matter if it’s the first preseason [game] or game No. 50. It’s going to be nice to get that first preseason game under our belt and we’re looking forward to it.”

Here’s a look at the projected lineup for the Bruins’ preseason opener:

Matt Fraser-David Krejci-Loui Eriksson
Anthony Camara-Carl Soderberg-Brian Ferlin
Daniel Paille-Ryan Spooner-Simon Gagne
Jordan Caron-Chris Kelly-Evan Randall

Dennis Seidenberg-Johnny Boychuk
David Warsofsky-Kevan Miller
Chris Casto-Joe Morrow

Malcolm Subban
Niklas Svedberg