Daniel Matthews
Updated on: October 14, 2024 4:12 am GMT
Boston Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery is placing his faith in young forward Fabian Lysell as the team gears up for the upcoming NHL season. With the season opener against the Florida Panthers only days away, Lysell is among a select group of prospects hoping to secure a spot on the Bruins’ roster. However, Montgomery sent a clear message to Lysell: he needs to step up his game.
Pressure on Lysell
Fabian Lysell, the 21st overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, has entered the spotlight as he competes for a place on the Bruins roster. After a disappointing performance in his first preseason game against the New York Rangers, where he failed to register a shot on goal in nearly 15 minutes of ice time, Montgomery is calling for more from the young player.
Montgomery stated, “He needs to do a little more than he’s done if he wants to make the Bruins.” This statement underscores the urgency for Lysell to prove his capability, especially with the Bruins experiencing limited roster flexibility heading into the new season.
Spotlight on Opportunities
The departure of Jake DeBrusk, who signed with the Vancouver Canucks in free agency, has opened a potential opportunity for Lysell and other young prospects. Along with Lysell, fellow contenders like Georgii Merkulov are eyeing the vacant spot on the Bruins’ roster.
Montgomery’s comments highlight the competitive environment surrounding the team. As the Bruins continue their preparations, Lysell will need to enhance his performance to ensure he can transition from the American Hockey League (AHL) to the National Hockey League (NHL) successfully.
How Lily Sell Can Improve
There are several key areas where Lysell can focus his efforts in the coming preseason games:
- Engagement on the Ice: Lysell must increase his presence during games, actively seeking opportunities to contribute.
- Shooting Ability: The young forward needs to put more shots on goal. During his first game, he missed opportunities that could have showcased his offensive skills.
- Reducing Turnovers: Limiting giveaways is essential, as unnecessary losses of possession can impact his chance of being selected for the roster.
- Building Chemistry: Connecting well with teammates, especially his linemates Jaxon Nelson and Riley Tufte, will be crucial for creating scoring chances.
Montgomery’s Track Record
Montgomery is known for his straightforward communication with players. Last season, he successfully called out David Pastrnak, leading to a game-winning goal in a critical playoff match. This style of coaching emphasizes accountability and performance improvement.
As Montgomery explained, his messages are intended to push players to demonstrate their skills and commitment. “That would be the case for most people that played [Sunday] night,” he noted after the game, indicating the need for overall improvement from the team’s performance.
A Strong Future Ahead
Despite the setbacks, Montgomery and others within the organization have faith in Lysell’s potential. Player development coordinator Adam McQuaid and Providence Bruins’ coach Ryan Mougenel have both commented on Lysell’s significant progress. Their support suggests that with the right adjustments, Lysell has the potential to make a strong push for a spot on the Bruins roster.
As the team prepares for their next preseason game against the Washington Capitals, all eyes will be on Lysell. His performance in the upcoming game is critical.
Conclusion
Fabian Lysell has a tough road ahead if he wants to join the Boston Bruins, but it’s not out of reach. Coach Jim Montgomery has challenged him, and now is the time for Lysell to step up. He needs to focus on getting better and show everyone that he can play with the best. The next few days are really important for his future, and Bruins fans will be keeping a close eye on him as he works to earn his spot on the team.
