Mikey Eyssimont went from gut punch to scoring punch.
Despite a strong training camp, Eyssimont was caught in a numbers game when it ended, with the Bruins waiving the veteran forward with the hopes of sneaking him onto Providence’s roster.
Eyssimont cleared waivers and went on a tear in the AHL, collecting 13 goals and three assists in just eight games. He connected for three goals last Friday night in Hamilton, Ontario — his third trick of the season — before being summoned to take James Hagens’s roster spot.
While the majority of forwards that received the call to the show go from top-six minutes to a bottom-six role, Eyssimont was slotted in on the second line for his season debut against the panthers on Sunday, allowing him to continue to play the style that has him off to a hot start. He proved worthy of the assignment, collecting a goal in the Bruins’ 4-1 win while playing left wing with Fraser Minten at center and Morgan Geekie on the right side.
“You’re slotted in with two really good linemates who make the game really easy,” Eyssimont said after Wednesday’s practice at Warrior Ice Arena. “Geekie has kind of just a knack for offense and his shot, and Minten’s always in the right place. So, there obviously is some expectation there right now, but for me it’s about playing my game and doing what I can to make them better and make their lives easier.”
Marco Sturm said Eyssimont’s versatility played a role in his recall.
“That was one of the reasons why we grabbed Mikey, because he can do that. He can play on the fourth line, but also, we can put him on a third or second [line],” said the coach. “And he played good down there. So, good for him. He had a really good game [against the Panthers], I thought, but he’s just one of those players I can put in different situations and that’s why he got the call.”
It was the prototypical Eyssimont goal, a player adept at getting to the greasy areas. He worked his way to the front of the net and jammed home his own rebound. It’s a small sample size, but Eyssimont’s gritty, sandpaper style is a nice fit.
“I think for me it’s just about getting pucks back instead of just one try off the rush and going back,” said Eyssimont, asked how he can complement his linemates. “I think what I can provide is getting pucks back and creating more O-zone time, driving the play that way. And the more you do that, the more it opens up for the other lines and for your linemates.”
Though disappointed in not making the Opening Night roster — he called it a “gut punch” — Eyssimont channeled his energy in a way that has always worked best for him.
“I think the goal for me is the same as it was up here, just trying to get better as a hockey player every game. I alluded to getting better in practice, and there’s a lot of practices [in the AHL], so I’m always trying to develop as a player and not be satisfied with where I was the previous season,” said Eyssimont. “And I think I’ve done that. I’ve reached a new level every year. It was just kind of an opportunity to see if I can refocus and keep doing what I’ve been doing this whole time, which is just getting better. So, I was able to do that.”
Eyssimont’s familiarity with the personalities and dynamics of the locker room made his return simple and comfortable.
“I didn’t feel like I skipped a beat at all coming into the game [against Florida],” he said. “I hadn’t seen any of the guys for a bit and I just kind of fell right back into my routines the way I prepare for any game. And obviously it was good to see the guys, but we were trying to get a win, and it was just really nice.”
We meet again
The Bruins and Canadiens will renew their rivalry Thursday night at TD Garden. It’s a rivalry that felt dormant for a few seasons but was rekindled last season. It should heat up even more with the top spot in the sizzling Atlantic Division on the line.
“We had some of those years where we were really good and they were kind of rebuilding and trying to figure out into what they are now,” said defenseman Charlie McAvoy. “The game is better, the rivalry is better, the NHL is better when both of us are great hockey teams, and that’s what we are now.”
Facing the Canadiens always gets Sturm’s juices flowing.
“I actually just got this question from a friend of mine yesterday, ‘What’s your biggest rivalry?’ I said, ‘It’s Montreal, for sure. Not even close,’ ” Sturm said.
The Bruins are billing this the “Homecoming,” with the debut of their Hometown Remix brown uniforms. The Canadiens will also wear their alternates.
Boston University alum McAvoy was particularly jazzed to find out Northeastern’s band will be playing Thursday.
“That’s a good band, too. The dog pound doesn’t mess around,” said McAvoy. “That’s awesome. That’s going to be so cool.”
Jim McBride can be reached at james.mcbride@globe.com. Follow him @globejimmcbride.