On Wednesday, Mikey Eyssimont scored two goals against the Florida Panthers, shining as a key contributor for the Boston Bruins. Known for his distinctive NHL preparation, Eyssimont’s approach focuses on mental calmness and simplicity, which has helped him navigate the demands of a fifth NHL season across five teams.
Before games at TD Garden, Eyssimont quietly prepares by engaging in something unexpected—solving New York Times crossword puzzles with NESN audio technician Robyn Altman, a habit he credits for shifting his focus away from hockey.
Mental Calm: Finding Focus Through Crossword Puzzles and Simplicity
Eyssimont’s pre-game ritual involves using crossword puzzles as a mental reset to ease anxieties and distractions.
“I try to do them Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for the New York Times. It is more so just something to do on my phone that is not rotting me away,”
he said. This practice is part of a broader philosophy he’s developed over the years, aiming to strip away excess mental clutter and simplify his life to enhance focus and readiness.
Having experienced frequent trades, Eyssimont chooses to travel light.
“I don’t really have many material goods. I sold my home in Tampa and sold it furnished. So I travel pretty light, which is how I like to live,”
he explained. This lifestyle supports his practice of minimalism, reducing choices to conserve energy for the game.
He reflected on preparation habits:
“I think you see a lot of guys, the way that they prepare, there are a lot of things that go into it. I think that I’ve learned, as I’ve gotten older, that instead of adding things in to do to feel better, it’s more important to subtract things from my life. I just try to simplify everything. Clothing-wise, at home-wise – I just like living pretty simply. Less to think about.”
Sharing the NHL Journey Through Personal Writing
In addition to his mental routines, Eyssimont has taken to writing to process his experiences. After joining the Bruins this past July, he launched a personal Substack where he shares journals from his perspective as an NHL player. This outlet helps him organize his thoughts and provide insight into the life of a professional athlete.
“I think writing is a nice way for me to organize my thoughts personally, and the people around me – just like friends – have been very curious about what it’s like to be in the NHL. Just kind of the road that I am on. They always tell me that people will find that interesting. Things might be mundane or monotonous to you, but that’s interesting to other people. My idea was to give some little insights into that,”
Eyssimont said.
He stressed that his approach stays genuine without turning to popular social media trends:
“I’m not a guy who is going to make a YouTube channel or do a get ready with me or pack with me for a trip like on a video.”
Support From Familiar Faces: Trusting a Known Coach
Eyssimont’s preparation methods have long been observed by head coach Marco Sturm, who has a history with him dating back to their time in the Los Angeles Kings organization. Sturm, who coached the Ontario Reign while Eyssimont played in the AHL, acknowledged Eyssimont’s individualized approach to mental readiness.
“I’ve been around him for a little bit, and Mikey does his own thing. He does that kind of stuff,”
Sturm said.
“Everyone is different, everyone has a different routine to get his mind back in order away from hockey. As long as it works, they can do whatever they want.”
Overcoming Challenges With Persistence and Confidence
Eyssimont faced a challenging period in January when he was a healthy scratch for two weeks. Nonetheless, his dedication remained unwavering, and upon returning to the lineup on January 27, he delivered three points across two games just before the Olympic break, demonstrating his resilience.
During a recent Stadium Series matchup at Raymond James Stadium against his former team, the Tampa Bay Lightning, Eyssimont assisted on a goal with a slick spinning move that set up teammate Alex Steeves. His momentum carried forward into the Bruins’ following game against the Florida Panthers, where he scored the first two goals of his NHL career.
About his standout performance, Eyssimont said simply,
“Just feeling it. Just felt good. Saw him try to kind of fake a poke check really early, so I kind of knew I could do something in tight.”
His first goal came from a wrist shot through the slot, beating goalie Sergei Bobrovsky five-hole. Soon after, he emerged from the penalty box to receive a stretch pass from Marat Khusnutdinov, deked Bobrovsky, and slipped the puck behind him, cementing an impressive personal milestone.
Eyssimont reflected on what fuels his play:
“I always try to keep my confidence in practice. Over the course of the past few weeks, I’ve been able to do that and just feel really good in practice. Be able to go home, lay on my couch, and know that I am working my butt off. I still feel skilled and trust myself as a player.”
Building Chemistry Among Teammates and Moving Forward
Among Eyssimont’s Bruins teammates is Tanner Jeannot, who joined Boston during the same free agency period and previously shared two seasons with Eyssimont in Tampa Bay. Jeannot has become a solid bottom-six presence for the Bruins, occasionally lining up alongside Eyssimont, adding to the forward’s growing comfort and chemistry within the team.
As the season progresses, Eyssimont’s blend of mental clarity, consistent preparation, and adaptability highlights how personalized routines can drive success in demanding professional sports. His experience—from being traded multiple times to establishing a stable footing in Boston—illustrates a focused resilience that many athletes strive to emulate.
