The Boston Bruins preseason continues tomorrow for their third pre-season clash. They’ll go head-to-head with the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. The Bruins will look to bounce back. Furthermore, the Bruins youth has been a bright spot so far.
Bruins Youth Shining in Preseason
Fabian Lysell Shows Promise
Lysell’s initial performances this preseason were rather underwhelming. The 21-year-old winger didn’t register a shot on goal during Boston’s 3-2 defeat. He went on to struggle to make a significant impact with the puck. Although Lysell has yet to step onto the ice for a regular season game in the NHL, there are high hopes for the 2021 first-round draft pick this autumn.
Lysell has reached his peak production in the AHL. His development into a reliable middle-six winger would be a valuable to the team. They are looking for offensive firepower following Jake DeBrusk’s exit in free agency.
On Tuesday, the Bruins winger found the back of the net at 2:59 in the second period, unleashing a precise shot from the left circle during a power play that zipped past Capitals goalie Hunter Shepard, giving Boston a 2-0 advantage at that moment. Lysell finally delivered the much-anticipated performance, earning a penalty that set up his team’s successful power play by charging toward the net and getting tripped by Washington’s Hardy Haman Aktell.
Known for his skating skills and offensive zone creativity, Lysell has struggled in the past with maintaining puck control and focusing on the finer aspects of his game during earlier preseason matches. However, Tuesday marked a significant turnaround for him, as he showcased his speed and chase down loose pucks in high-scoring areas. With five preseason games remaining, Lysell still has work to do to secure a position on Boston’s roster. Nevertheless, Tuesday’s performance was a positive sign for the talented young player, and now he must continue to build on this momentum.
🎥 Fabian Lysell on scoring in the #NHLBruins preseason win: “A little bit better than last game. Nice to see one get in. It’s just the start…it felt way more smooth out there. Better timing…all around a better game.”
Watch more postgame reaction ➡️ https://t.co/luGJUvDOXw pic.twitter.com/m8q76tUXxA
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) September 25, 2024
Georgii Merkulov Has Potential
In a display of talent, Georgii Merkulov, one of the Bruins’ standout forward prospects, shone brightly on Tuesday. The 23-year-old forward showcased his skills with a clever assist on Justin Brazeau’s goal in the third period, delivering a smooth backhand pass after skillfully maneuvering the puck through the neutral zone.
Merkulov has now tallied two assists in his first two preseason games with Boston this fall, although his performance against New York on Sunday was somewhat subdued. On Tuesday, the former Ohio State player took a more proactive approach while centering NHL veterans Tyler Johnson and Justin Brazeau.
🎥 Fabian Lysell on scoring in the #NHLBruins preseason win: “A little bit better than last game. Nice to see one get in. It’s just the start…it felt way more smooth out there. Better timing…all around a better game.”
Watch more postgame reaction ➡️ https://t.co/luGJUvDOXw pic.twitter.com/m8q76tUXxA
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) September 25, 2024
Joonas Korpisalo Shines in his Boston Debut
Korpisalo may not have faced a barrage of shots, but he certainly made a strong impression in his Boston debut. He successfully blocked all seven shots directed at him. He skillfully denied two high-danger scoring opportunities and consistently positioned himself well, effectively covering the post.
While the sample size was limited, it’s crucial for Boston to ensure Korpisalo feels confident and in control of his game, especially considering his challenges last season in Ottawa and the possibility that the Bruins might rely on him for their season opener in two weeks.
Bruins Preseason Continues
Several young Bruins displayed their skills on the TD Garden ice Tuesday night. It propelled Boston to its inaugural preseason win with a 4-2 victory over the Washington Capitals. Fans are optimistic that this enthusiasm and drive will persist among the team’s young talent.
The Bruins will carry on with their preseason campaign on Thursday. They’ll take on the Rangers at Madison Square Garden. The matchup is slated to begin at 7 p.m.
Main Photo: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
