In a recent preseason matchup, the Boston Bruins celebrated a 4-2 victory over the Washington Capitals,
but the excitement extended beyond just the win. The performance of several promising young players,
including Fabian Lysell, Gerogii Merkulov, and Matt Poitras, stood out as they made significant
contributions. Lysell scored a goal and earned two penalties, while Merkulov assisted on another goal
and also drew a penalty. Poitras showcased his skills reminiscent of last season, skillfully maneuvering
along the boards and executing impressive spin moves to evade defenders.
However, Bruins captain Brad Marchand had a stark message for these young talents. After participating
in practice for the first time since undergoing offseason surgeries, Marchand emphasized the need for
improvement. “It’s encouraging, but ‘pretty well’ needs to be better,” he stated candidly. He stressed that
simply playing well isn’t enough to secure a spot on the team, especially when established players are
vying for the same positions. Marchand urged his teammates to elevate their performance, stating, “To
make it at this level consistently, you’ve got to steal somebody’s job. That’s the biggest thing.”
Reflecting on his own journey, Marchand recalled his early days in the league. Despite his impressive
junior hockey stats, he faced significant challenges as a smaller player striving to make an impact in the
NHL. Recognizing the importance of standing out, Marchand took it upon himself to excel in penalty-
killing roles, partnering with Patrice Bergeron to become one of the franchise’s top players in that aspect.
This mindset of finding ways to contribute is crucial, particularly in a competitive environment where
roster spots are limited.
Bruins coach Jim Montgomery echoed Marchand’s sentiments, highlighting the importance of young
players stepping up in crucial roles like penalty-killing. After Tuesday’s game, Montgomery gave Poitras
and Justin Brazeau a chance to showcase their abilities in that area, recognizing that success in such
roles can determine whether a player makes the final roster. Marchand himself had to fight for similar
opportunities in his early career, illustrating the competitive nature of the team and the necessity for
younger players to earn their ice time through hard work and dedication.
As training camp progresses, the pressure is on for these young players to prove themselves. Marchand
made it clear that expectations are high and that being satisfied with a single good performance won’t
suffice. The seasoned captain knows firsthand the hurdles they face and the determination required to
carve out a place on a team filled with established veterans. Ultimately, he emphasized the importance of
consistent performance throughout the entire season, reminding them that the journey to success is
ongoing and requires relentless effort.
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