The 2024-25 season hasn’t been kind to the Boston Bruins and their fans. From playing poorly most of the season to losing Charlie McAvoy to injury to more permanently losing their captain, it’s been a rough ride. But despite these setbacks, they are only 4 points away from clinching a wildcard spot for those clinging to hope. And it looks like the team is trying to maximize their chances to get there.
In a somewhat surprising action, the Boston Bruins recently made a choice that generated some attention. They made the emergency recall of forward Fabian Lysell and defenseman Michael Callahan from AHL Providence, indicating a potential lineup reshuffle ahead of their next game. Whether it is injuries, cautionary depth moves, or just a changeup following their recent struggles, the timing of the recall makes one thing certain—Boston is not leaving anything to chance.
Lysell, the Bruins’ first-round pick in 2021, has not been able to find his footing in the AHL, yet he has been one of the Bruins’ top prospects and will get the chance to showcase his skills after his lone NHL game in December. On defense, Callahan has been a decent enough depth presence in his 11 games with the Bruins this season. However, in the AHL, he’s recorded 1 goal and 7 assists and was even named in the AHL All-Star game.
Bruins announce Fabian Lysell has been recalled from Providence.
— Ty Anderson (@_TyAnderson) March 18, 2025
Speaking of Lysell, head coach Joe Sacco was optimistic. “The reports from Providence have all been positive as far as his game down there, not just offensively but his 200-foot game, his play away from the puck, his ability to stay on pucks, one of the things we need to see from some of the young players. I think it’s good that he’s getting another opportunity. At some point we’ll see him in the lineup on this upcoming road trip.”
Lysell himself was hopeful about his chances in the team this time around. “I think I’ve been hunting pucks pretty well and using my skating to get pucks back,” said the 22-year-old. “Then I think the line I’ve been playing with is creating a lot of offense, so I think I’ve been pretty visible there and it’s probably why I’m here today.” It may not be the most exciting of call-ups for Bruins fans, but it shows that the Bruins will not go down quietly.
The playoffs are improbable but not impossible for the Boston Bruins
Now the Bruins may just be 4 points away from a wild card spot, but things aren’t as rosy as they seem. They are on a 3-game losing streak, but if you thought that was bad, wait till you hear about how the Bruins have shipped a whopping 15 goals in those 3 games. Their form has been uneven all season, with this series of games exposing all their defensive flaws and the fragility of goalie Jeremy Swayman (though Joonas Korpisalo was in the crease against the Sabres).
Not to mention the other teams ahead of the Bruins in the standings who are all vying for that playoff spot, with most in better form than the Bruins too. But Joe Sacco has refused to let his hope diminish. “I think there is (something to play for),” said Sacco. “We came in this morning and … the games in hand? Sure you can look at that. But you can also just look at three points right now. That’s what’s separating us from the last wild card spot right now as we stand here today.”
The New York Rangers, currently occupying the second wild card spot, do have a game in hand against Boston, but to Sacco that’s immaterial. What matters is the gap that isn’t actually insurmountable. “To me, that should be one of our focuses and it is one of our focuses as a group, to make sure we understand that we’re still in the thick of things here and nothing changes for us as far as our mindset in how we prepare and how we get ready for games,” said Sacco. “It really shouldn’t be that hard to keep them focused.”
It’s a healthy mindset to have, but if the team can live up to Sacco’s expectations is another story. If they want to stay in the playoff race, then the Boston Bruins need to find another gear of form. Fast. Their next attempt at snapping their losing streak comes against the Vegas Golden Knights in what is sure to be a tricky encounter at the T-Mobile Arena.
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