Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery delivered a clear message to Fabian Lysell following the forward’s underwhelming performance in Boston’s first preseason game on Sunday night. Lysell responded with a much-improved effort in the Bruins’ 4-2 victory over the Washington Capitals on Tuesday night at TD Garden.
“I thought Lysell had a really good game,” Montgomery told Andy Brickley during NESN’s postgame coverage. “He was strong on pucks and created a lot of opportunities with several shot attempts.”
Lysell logged 16:51 minutes of ice time, scoring a power play goal and recording three takeaways over 20 shifts, including more than four minutes of power play time. He admitted he felt more comfortable in the game against the Capitals compared to the preseason opener against the New York Rangers.
“The first game is always tough with timing and everything feeling a bit off,” Lysell told NESN’s Judd Sirott during postgame coverage. “It was nice to get back out there with a quick turnaround. I felt like everything flowed more smoothly today, and we played more of a team game.”
Lysell also mentioned that he received some encouragement from Providence Bruins coach Ryan Mougenel on Monday.
“We had a good chat,” Lysell said. “He knows me well, and it was about focusing on the basics and trusting my game. I felt much better today.”
The Bruins also got their first glimpse of goaltender Joonas Korpisalo in net. Korpisalo played a period and a half, stopping all seven shots he faced.
“Pretty solid, I didn’t have much action,” Korpisalo told reporters, as seen on NESN’s postgame coverage. “Every shot I faced, I felt comfortable. The guys did a great job in front of me, allowing me to see the puck and preventing second chances. So overall, it felt good.
“We’ll take both the positives and negatives from this and move forward. There are plenty of games left. Even though it was just half a game, you want to make a strong impression and be yourself. I felt pretty good.”
Bruins Notes: Prospect Competing for Roster Spot Shines in Preseason Victory.
