Lysell Lifts Providence to OT Win Over Belleville with Clutch Finish
Providence, RI - Fabian Lysell delivered when it mattered most, netting the overtime winner and adding an assist to lead the Providence Bruins past the Belleville Senators, 2-1, in a gritty Friday night battle at Amica Mutual Pavilion.
This was a game that tested Providence’s patience and resolve. Down a goal late, the Bruins leaned on their young talent and got a big-time response.
Let’s break down how this one unfolded.
How It Happened
Belleville struck first on the power play late in the opening period. Keean Washkurak found space in the slot and fired a wrist shot that deflected off a defender’s skate and snuck under the crossbar. It was a tough-luck bounce for Providence, and with just over three minutes left in the first, the Senators had the early edge.
But Providence stayed composed and kept pressing. The equalizer didn’t come until late in the third, but when it did, it was a beauty.
Matthew Poitras carried the puck into the right circle and snapped a wrist shot inside the near post to tie the game at 1-1 with 5:30 to play. Fabian Lysell and Frederic Brunet picked up the assists, and just like that, the Bruins had life.
Then came overtime - and Lysell took over.
After dishing the puck to Dans Locmelis in the left circle, Lysell cut hard to the net. Locmelis returned the favor with a slick feed, and Lysell finished it off with a quick flip past the Belleville goalie, sealing the win with just 50 seconds left in the extra frame. Jordan Harris was credited with the secondary assist, but the goal was all about Lysell’s give-and-go execution and nose for the net.
By the Numbers
- Fabian Lysell now has two overtime goals on the season - and both have showcased his knack for rising to the moment.
- Matthew Poitras scored his fourth of the year and continues to be a steady presence in clutch situations.
- Michael DiPietro was sharp between the pipes, stopping 25 of 26 shots and keeping Providence within striking distance all night.
- The Bruins fired 29 shots on goal and held Belleville to just one power-play goal on two chances.
- The Providence power play couldn’t convert, going 0-for-3, but the penalty kill held strong when it needed to.
With the win, Providence improves to 28-8-1-0, continuing their strong push through the AHL season.
What’s Next
The Bruins hit the road next, heading to Bridgeport for a Saturday showdown with the Islanders at Total Mortgage Arena. Puck drops at 5:00 p.m.
For fans looking to catch every minute, AHLTV on FloHockey has full coverage - not just for the Bruins, but for every team across the league.
Bottom Line: This was a game that could’ve slipped away. But with DiPietro holding the fort, Poitras tying it late, and Lysell finishing it off in style, Providence showed the kind of resilience and skill that’s made them one of the AHL’s top teams this season.