Fabian Lysell scoring the overtime winner at three-on-three against the Hartford Wolf Pack doesn’t change the past week for one of the Boston Bruins’ most polarizing prospects. While Lysell is now up to 11 points in 11 games, he started Wednesday night’s Providence Bruins game on the fourth line alongside Jake Schmaltz and Joey Abate. It was a step up from the team’s last game, when Lysell sat in the press box as a healthy scratch.
The situation presents an interesting dilemma, offering a unique contrast between what the fans see and how the front office feels. If you listen to the growing social media mob about Lysell’s usage, you would think the Bruins are burying the next great Swedish superstar in the minors. However, it’s easy to look at a player’s stat line and then wonder why he isn’t in the NHL.
The Bruins’ front office isn’t just scratching prospects for no reason. There is some aspect of Lysell’s game, whether it’s his inconsistent play, failure to commit to the defensive zone for an entire game, or his sometimes lower work rate, that is turning the organization away from giving him a chance. Ryan Mougenel has been struggling to get a read on Lysell since he started in Providence, and that doesn’t seem to be changing anytime soon.
It isn’t just Mougenel who is burying him, either, if that’s what fans are thinking. The front office wouldn’t allow their AHL head coach to make those kinds of decisions if they see a future in him. It’s obviously an organizational decision that is causing Lysell to lose his place in the Providence lineup.
The time is approaching when the Bruins will have to figure out what they have in Lysell. There aren’t many NHL roster players who will be giving up their spot anytime soon, and Lysell is now behind a long list of forwards in Providence. Is there any path for Lysell to join the NHL club?
Lysell has plenty of ground to make up. It’s unlikely that the team’s perspective of him changes just because he scored an overtime winner in a three-on-three overtime. Lysell’s offensive confidence isn’t the issue, as he is still producing despite his fall down the lineup. It’s the intangibles that must change, and it’s worth wondering if it will ever happen after four years of the same issues.
It’s amusing to see the growing concerns about keeping an offensive talent buried in the minors. We shouldn’t forget that the reason Boston has the second-most points in the conference is due to the intangibles that the lineup is bringing on a nightly basis as the front office tries to reform the Bruins’ identity. If Lysell is so poor in that area that he can’t get into the AHL lineup on a nightly basis, why should fans even want him to get the reward of an NHL recall?
As the 2025 NFL season intensifies, Geno Smith has made one thing abundantly clear: he’s not interested in the off-field chatter, the opinions of critics, or the narratives being spun by the media.
Smith has faced his fair share of criticism throughout his career, with his time with the Seattle Seahawks and now his tenure with the Raiders providing plenty of moments for pundits to weigh in. After a series of inconsistent performances, there’s no shortage of narratives being built around his future in the NFL. But Smith isn’t concerned with the noise — he’s determined to prove himself on the field.
A New Focus: One Play at a Time
For Smith, it’s all about his next opportunity to lead his team to victory. Despite a rough start to the season with the Raiders, Smith is focused on putting the past behind him and moving forward. His statement is a clear indication that he’s choosing to focus on what he can control — his performance, his leadership, and the results on the field.
“I’ve learned to block out the distractions,” Smith continued. “At the end of the day, it’s about what happens when you step onto that field. The rest doesn’t matter. I’m here to play ball, and that’s where my focus is.”
This mindset comes at a critical juncture for Smith. The Raiders are looking for consistency from their quarterback, and Smith knows that he needs to step up and lead this team. With a solid supporting cast around him and a coaching staff committed to his success, Smith is ready to show the world that he’s capable of more than the ups and downs he’s been labeled with in the past.
The Opportunity Ahead
Week 11 is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in Smith’s season. As the Raiders face a tough opponent, the quarterback’s ability to block out the noise and deliver on the field will be crucial. With his statement, Smith is making it clear that he isn’t going to be defined by the criticism or the narrative that surrounds him. His focus is laser-sharp, and he’s determined to let his play do the talking.
For the Raiders, Smith’s commitment to his role and his no-nonsense approach could be the spark they need to get back on track. His leadership will be key to executing the game plan and finding success in the high-stakes moments. And for Smith, his chance to prove himself on the field has never been more important.
No More Excuses
At this point in his career, Geno Smith has nothing left to prove to anyone except himself. He’s already overcome plenty of obstacles, and now it’s all about taking responsibility for his role in the offense and leading his team with conviction. The past is behind him, and the future is in his hands. Smith has the chance to rewrite the narrative — and he’s doing it with one clear focus: football.
As the Raiders head into the second half of the season, the pressure is on. But with Geno Smith’s mindset firmly on the field, the distractions of the outside world won’t be a factor. The only thing that matters now is what happens when he takes the snap. No distractions, no excuses — just football.