Boston Bruins’ 21-year-old forward Fabian Lysell delivered a resounding response to head coach Jim Montgomery’s public challenge during the Bruins’ preseason clash against the Washington Capitals on Tuesday night. Despite facing pointed criticism from Montgomery about his recent performance, Lysell made sure his play on the ice did the talking.
Montgomery had made it clear after Sunday’s preseason loss to the New York Rangers that Lysell, who went without a shot on goal in nearly 15 minutes of ice time, needed to show more if he wanted to earn a spot on the Bruins’ opening night roster. The coach’s message was blunt: Lysell wasn’t doing enough to solidify his place.
“He needs to do a little more than he’s done if he wants to make the Bruins,” Montgomery said ahead of the Washington game, adding that this expectation applied to most players who underperformed against the Rangers.
Rather than let the criticism rattle him, Lysell responded with renewed determination in Tuesday’s matchup. Skating alongside center Jaxon Nelson and left wing Riley Tufte, the Swedish winger came out with noticeable energy, creating several offensive chances and showing the kind of speed and creativity that had originally caught the Bruins’ attention.
Lysell managed to register multiple shots on goal, shaking off the earlier criticisms of his lack of offensive presence. His forechecking was aggressive, and he played with an edge, making a physical impact by getting involved in key puck battles. Despite the pressure, Lysell demonstrated that he could handle the spotlight, even dishing out a couple of hits and showing a more responsible game defensively.
Though the Bruins fell short on the scoreboard, Lysell’s performance was a step in the right direction, showing glimpses of the high-end skill that the team had hoped to see. He was active in all areas of the ice, and his play didn’t go unnoticed.
After the game, Montgomery acknowledged Lysell’s response but reminded him that the battle for a roster spot is far from over. “He was much better tonight, but this is the NHL, and consistency is everything. We’ll see how he carries this forward,” Montgomery said postgame.
For Lysell, the message is clear: his NHL dream is within reach, but he’ll need to maintain that level of intensity if he wants to secure a spot on the Bruins’ roster. Despite the early-season pressure and critical feedback, Lysell’s performance against the Capitals showed that he’s capable of rising to the occasion. Now, it’s up to him to keep it going.
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