Bruins Coach Marco Sturm Delivers Clear Message to Sabres
The Boston Bruins are gearing up for their first-round playoff series against the Buffalo Sabres. Head coach Marco Sturm recognizes that while the Bruins aren’t considered favorites, they possess a significant advantage in physicality. This advantage will be crucial when the series kicks off at Buffalo’s KeyBank Center.
Marco Sturm’s Message to the Sabres
Sturm emphasized the need for the Bruins to play their game effectively. “We know how we have to play, and we are going to be ready to go,” he stated confidently. He highlighted that the Bruins are bigger, stronger, and more physical than the Sabres. This strategy involves focusing on discipline while imposing their style of play.
Physical Dominance
The Bruins finished the regular season with a notable reputation for aggression. They recorded a remarkable 1,861 hits, ranking among the top ten teams in the NHL. Only the Philadelphia Flyers and Ottawa Senators had higher hit counts. Moreover, the Bruins committed 34 major penalties, more than all but the Tampa Bay Lightning.
- Bruins’ regular season hits: 1,861
- Major penalties: 34
- Penalty kill percentage: 77%
Sturm noted that the physical approach of the Bruins has created a psychological edge. “I know a lot of teams, they’re afraid of us,” he said. This intimidation factor will be a key element as they enter the contest against the Sabres.
Maintain Discipline
Despite their aggressive style, Sturm understands the importance of avoiding penalties. The Bruins faced challenges with a minus-40 penalty differential, indicating that they need to balance physical play with discipline. Overstepping can lead to disadvantages, especially if they overtax their penalty kill unit.
To succeed, players like Tanner Jeannot and Mark Kastelic will be instrumental in establishing physical dominance. Additionally, Boston is counting on defensemen like Nikita Zadorov and Charlie McAvoy to contribute to their physical presence.
Sabres’ Challenge
The Sabres, aiming to improve their physical game, made recent acquisitions including Luke Schenn, Logan Stanley, and Sam Carrick. However, they will be without Carrick for this series, diminishing their physical roster options. Sturm expressed confidence that the Sabres will struggle against the Bruins’ intensity.
“I know they want to out-skate us,” Sturm commented with a hint of amusement. This series promises to be an exciting matchup as both teams aim to assert their style of play.
