“Angry” Mason Lohrei Trying to Stay Positive After Sitting for Bruins

Mason Lohrei’s anger has become a talking point — and, lately, a driving force — behind the Boston Bruins’ surge. After signing a two-year, $6.4 million extension this summer, the 24-year-old defenseman didn’t expect to be watching from the press box for five straight games. But that’s where head coach Marco Sturm kept him, pushing the young blueliner to get “very pi–ed” and find another level.

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“I’m a hockey player. I want to play,” Lohrei told the media, as per The Athletic’s Fluto Shinzawa. And when he finally did — returning to the lineup in Saturday’s 5–3 win over Toronto — Lohrei looked like a man determined to prove a point. In just under 15 minutes of ice time, he recorded two assists, defended responsibly, and helped extend Boston’s winning streak to six games.

Lohrei’s play had a different edge — cleaner, more decisive, more confident. “Be firmer, better decisions,” he said of his adjustments. It showed. “He was good,” head coach Marco Sturm said. “It’s been a long time. It’s not easy. I think it’s easier when you sit out a game or two. You’re still in a rhythm. If it gets more than that, it’s not easy for the player, too. But overall, I thought he did a good job today.”

“I mean, I guess you got to take everything and try to look at it positively. I mean, I just showed up every day and went to work, and all waited for my next opportunity, so you know, tonight’s no different, same thing.” He added, “I’ll just try and stay positive and stay confident and be the player that I think I can be.” how great is it then I’ll see you just the entire team sort of locking defensive area in the last two or three weeks and sort of play at the level that you guys all know you’re going to have to if you’re going to win games and then be competitive yeah it’s been a lot of fun

Lohrei Is a Big Part Of the Bruins’ Blue Line Going Forward

What began as a tough lesson for a young defenseman is hopefully turning into one of the season’s better storylines.

Lohrei’s frustration hasn’t left him upset with the organization or seeking a fresh start somewhere else. It’s fueled his desire to be better and prove he belongs with the Bruins. The buy-in is clear, and if this version of Lohrei sticks, Boston’s current run of six-straight wins might be the start of something bigger.

Boston (10-7-0) plays Toronto (8-7-1) in a rematch Tuesday night.

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